Mel Kiper explains why New Orleans is perfect fit for Garrett Wilson in updated mock draft

ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper released his second mock draft on Tuesday morning. Kiper included some trades within the first round, leading to some surprises. Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson went 14th overall in Kiper’s mock draft to the New Orleans Saints.

Not only did the Saints select Wilson, but they traded up to get him in Kiper’s projected draft. He is the second receiver off of the board, and to Kiper, he makes a lot of sense for the Saints in the first round.

“There are many questions around the post-Sean Payton era for the Saints, but it’s clear that the team has to add more weapons around whomever plays quarterback in 2022,” Kiper said. “Michael Thomas should be back after missing all of last season, and he could use a wideout to take some pressure off him. Wilson has the versatility to play in the slot or outside, and he can pile on yards after the catch. He had 113 catches and 18 touchdowns for the Buckeyes over the past two seasons.”

Wilson is coming off of the best season of his three-year collegiate career at Ohio State. He caught 70 passes for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns, also adding a rushing touchdown. Wilson also did so while playing alongside a three-headed monster in Ohio State’s receiving room.

Star wideout Michael Thomas missed last season for the Saints with an injury. The passing offense is in desperate need of more playmakers, and Wilson could be a nice addition in the draft. Marquez Callaway led the team in receiving last season, totaling 46 receptions for 698 yards and six touchdowns. Wilson could immediately step in alongside a healthy Thomas and provide another valuable weapon for whoever the Saints roll out at quarterback next season.

Kiper’s alternatives to Wilson for the Saints in the draft

If the Saints don’t pick Wilson in the draft, Kiper believes that they could go a number of directions. New Orleans could go offensive tackle or quarterback, depending on how the other dominoes fall.

“If the Saints keep the No. 18 pick, offensive tackle could be in play, especially if Trevor Penning is available,” added Kiper. “Quarterback Malik Willis could be an option, too, but the Saints are more ready to try to win in 2022, and I think Willis needs a little more seasoning before he’s thrown into the fire in the NFL.”

Penning went 18th overall in Kiper’s mock, and that is the pick that New Orleans held before trading up. Willis went 20th overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers.