The New Orleans Saints are positioned with the No. 24 pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and could use a wide receiver alongside Michael Thomas. With that being said, Brandon Aiyuk out of Arizona State is a name to watch in the first round for the Saints.
The Saints boast one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL under Sean Payton. Besides Thomas, New Orleans has Alvin Kamara and Jared Cook to create mismatches on the field.
Not too long ago, Drew Brees announced that he would be returning for his 20th season in the NFL in 2020. Given that, it appears that Brees is focused on making one last run at winning another Super Bowl. Therefore, it is vital that the Saints surround him with more weapons in the offense.
During the 2019 season, Thomas put together a truly historic campaign from the wide receiver position. The Ohio State product hauled in an NFL record 149 receptions for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns in 2019. However, outside of Thomas, the Saints didn't get much production from their other receivers.
As a matter of fact, for the wide receivers not named Thomas, they combined for just 56 receptions, 692 yards, and seven touchdowns. Luckily for the Saints, they'll have quite a few options in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Of course, there are the Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lambs of the world. But with New Orleans sitting at the 24th overall pick, they won't be able to select one of the surefire options. Still, Aiyuk out of Arizona State seems like a perfect fit for the Saints offense.
Unlike some players in the upcoming draft, Aiyuk began his collegiate career at a junior college. Then, in his final two seasons of eligibility, he chose to attend Arizona State. Unbeknownst to him, he would evolve into a coveted prospect in the NFL Draft.
In his final season at Arizona State, Aiyuk recorded 65 receptions for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns. Throughout his collegiate career, Aiyuk displayed an uncanny ability to create plays after the catch. Along with his yards after the catch, he showed a knack of being able to stretch the field vertically; something the Saints offense is missing.
Over the past few seasons, the Saints have relied on Ted Ginn to provide them with big plays down the field. But with Ginn not getting any younger, it's time New Orleans finds a fresh face to let loose as a deep threat.
Selecting Aiyuk would give Payton an endless amount of options within the offense. All the Saints need to do is get the ball in Aiyuk's hands and let him do the rest.
Since winning a Super Bowl in 2009, the Saints have been able to deliver in the postseason. Maybe a player like Aiyuk could be the final piece that is needed to get New Orleans over the hump. If Aiyuk is still on the board at No. 24, the Saints shouldn't waste any time adding him to their roster.
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