It sure would be fun for New Orleans.
The NFL Draft rumor mill is buzzing. For the New Orleans Saints, the latest rumor is Mickey Loomis drafting a running mate for Chris Olave and another weapon for Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough. Honestly, it is a good strategy with how the Saints finished last season. Moore would only be able to build on last year with more firepower.
The rumors around Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate are building. Two formidable OSU receivers would be a fun proposition. But are the rumors just that? Rumors? What are the realistic chances of the Saints choosing a receiver over other needs in two weeks?
ESPN's Katherine Terrell answered that question.
Give a percentage chance the Saints go WR at No. 8, and are you hearing anything on who their WR1 might be?
Around 40%. WR remains a big need, but the Saints have positioned themselves to look at a few positions. Don't rule out pass rusher or other defensive positions after New Orleans signed several offensive free agents. Wide receivers Makai Lemon (USC) or Carnell Tate (Ohio State) would make sense in Round 1. But if the Saints choose to take a WR later in the draft instead, second-year QB Tyler Shough already has made his case for Chris Bell, Shough's former Louisville teammate.
Now, the interesting part of this is mentioning Bell. Bell has gained buzz after a very nice showing at his pro day, showing he may be clear of the injury that caused concerns for evaluators. Tate and Bell would be very, very fun, but it would require two consecutive picks. Could Loomis load up the offense and address the defensive line and corner later on?
ESPN's Justin Reid provided some intel into the Saints' thought process right now for draft strategy.
What we're hearing about the Saints' draft: The Saints are open to the best player available at No. 8. But it shouldn't come as a surprise that they would quickly add Tate if he's still available at No. 8 and have him join fellow Ohio State alumnus Chris Olave.
So, what did we learn from both answers? The Saints could draft Tate at number eight, or they could not. That provides clarity ahead of the draft. Of course, I'm being sarcastic, but this is par for the course with less than two weeks to go. This is the fun part.
The good news is that there is no wrong strategy here for New Orleans.