How did NFL teams miss on Michael Thomas back in 2016? Somehow the Ohio State product was passed over for Corey Coleman, Will Fuller, Josh Doctson, Laquan Treadwell, and Sterling Shepard before getting selected in the 2nd round by the Saints.
@CantguardmikeSong: Got it on me by Pop Smoke pic.twitter.com/8qQkKbJ8Du
— Elite Edits (@Elit3Edits)
July 13, 2020 Can’t Guard Mike has lived up to his nickname, constantly improving and just set the record for receptions in a season while leading the league for a second consecutive year. Heading into 2020, the Saints added a proven receiving threat opposite him that could make an already high octane offense even more flammable.
This speech @ESanders_10 gave to the 49ers WR’s is incredible --(via @footwork_king1, blayzur/Instagram, h/t @TheSFNiners) pic.twitter.com/WTOqgUrbRd
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL)
February 19, 2020 Emmanuel Sanders signed with the Saints with getting back to the Super Bowl in mind. The 33-year-old veteran was a key piece to the 49ers run a year ago, finishing with 36 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games in San Francisco after getting acquired in a trade from Denver. Sanders totaled 66 catches for 869 yards and five touchdowns in 17 games and should ease some of the pressure on Thomas.
After those two, the Saints have questions about filling out the rest of their wide receiving corps. Is this the year Tre'Quan Smith breaks-out? The 2018 3rd round pick has battled inconsistency and injuries, but has shown to be a willing and solid blocker.
“Tre'Quan has skinny legs and skinny arms, but he is stronger than you think,” said wide receivers coach Ronald Curry. “He is smart and knows the game of football. It means something to him. He puts in the work and just needs to continue to play, and continue to receive opportunities.”
Can All-Pro return man Deonte Harris carve out a larger role in his 2nd season? At 5ft6, 170 pound, he doesn’t possess a size advantage, but speed kills and Harris can burn the best of them.
He used to be called #RhodesClosed.... not anymore. Deonte Harris sent Xavier Rhodes out of the picture.(via @PFF_Sam) pic.twitter.com/Im5vpRNT5q
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate)
January 5, 2020 Coach Sean Payton is an offensive master mind that will find ways to get Harris the ball more in 2020; possible on screen passes or jet sweeps.
Will last year’s training camp star Emmanuel Butler make his way onto the active roster? He looked to be another one of the Black & Gold’s stellar undrafted rookie free agent finds, but struggled a bit in the preseason making 6 receptions on 12 targets for 47 yards and a touchdown and spent the season on the practice squad.
Other young talents vying for a roster spot are Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Taquan Mizzel, along with new additions Maurice Harris, Marquez Callaway (R), and Jawan Johnson (R). Veterans Austin Carr, Krishawn Hogan and Tommylee Lewis round out the team’s receiving options.
