The New Orleans Saints are facing a season of ups and downs, and while a recent loss prevented them from building a winning streak, it did shift their position in the upcoming draft. Currently, they are projected to have the third overall pick in the first round. Beyond that, they are also slated to pick 68th in the third round, a spot where teams can find valuable contributors.
Looking ahead to the draft, one potential player who could be on the Saints’ radar is wide receiver Malachi Fields. Fields, who transferred to Notre Dame after spending four years at Virginia, has been turning heads this season. While he might not be a household name yet, Fields possesses a set of skills that could make him a valuable asset to any team.
One of Fields’ standout qualities is his ability to win contested catches. This means he can secure the ball even when closely guarded by defenders. He’s also known for being a precise route runner, standing tall at 6-foot-4, and adjusting well to different throws. Furthermore, Fields has demonstrated impressive speed and leadership qualities, having served as a team captain.
The Saints’ wide receiver group could use some fresh talent, especially with the departures of Brandin Cooks and Rashid Shaheed. The team needs to find a reliable number two receiver to complement Chris Olave. Fields has the potential to fill that role and provide the Saints with a much-needed contested catch threat. While he is a bit older due to his five years in college, his skills might be too tempting to pass up.
Another prospect who could pique the Saints’ interest is running back Nicholas Singleton from Penn State. Singleton, along with his teammate Kaytron Allen, made a surprising decision to stay at Penn State last year, hoping to compete for a national championship. While their season didn’t quite pan out as planned, Singleton has continued to impress.
Singleton boasts a remarkable combination of speed, burst, and strength, making him a difficult player for defenders to bring down. He has the potential to be a dual-threat running back, capable of significantly boosting an offense.
The Saints’ running back situation is somewhat uncertain. Alvin Kamara is approaching the later stages of his career, Kendre Miller is recovering from a serious injury, and rookie Devin Neal hasn’t yet solidified his role. Head Coach Kellen Moore has also mentioned the need for a “homerun” type of play in the running game, something that Singleton excels at.
Ultimately, whether the Saints choose to focus on a wide receiver like Fields or a running back like Singleton will depend on their overall strategy and how the draft unfolds. Both players offer unique skills and potential to address key needs for the team. The draft will provide an opportunity for the Saints to add impactful players and improve their roster for the future.
