Are the Saints tipping their hands?
The New Orleans Saints have three top-30 visits coming to their building this weekend. Today, ASU WR Jordyn Tyson will visit with Omar Cooper, Jr. of Indiana, and Ted Hurst of Georgia State will show up on Saturday, according to Ian Rapoport.
The mock draft community is warming up to the Saints adding a playmaker at receiver with the eighth pick in the draft. OSU WR Carnell Tate has been connected to the Saints to join fellow former Ohio State receiver Chris Olave. Louisville's Chris Bell visited last week and has the full support of his former teammate, Tyler Shough.
USC's Makai Lemon and Tate visited as well. The other top-30 visits have either been offensive linemen or secondary players.
Are the Saints signaling their thought process? The Saints are paying close attention to the top receivers, believing one of them will fall to them at pick eight. Is it wise for the Saints to add a receiver when the defensive line and linebacker are clear needs?
If you're asking me, I believe the Saints should put more firepower on the field for Shough and Kellen Moore. With how well the Saints' offense performed down the stretch, adding more weapons is a logical choice.
The NFC South is wide open. I don't think anyone believes the Carolina Panthers now have a stranglehold on the division after winning it last season. With a great free agency class and a strong draft, the Saints are right back in the discussion.
The key is Shough's development. If he continues to rise following the end-of-season surge, the sky is the limit. The Saints' defense does need help as well with the departure of Demario Davis and Alontae Taylor, and the possibility of Cam Jordan's departure.
The Saints could opt for an EDGE rusher depending on how the board shakes out, but defensive tackle has to be addressed, and a concern. There are ways to address all three positions in the draft. It simply comes down to what the combination is and which rounds each position will be addressed.
Linebackers are deep in this draft, as are wide receivers. New Orleans will absolutely select both positions, but they could end up with impact players even if they aren't selected in the first round.
The best part about the Saints' position is that they can do almost anything. It's a wonderful position to be in and optimism is at an all-time high in New Orleans.