Canal Street Chronicles
Behind Olave and Shaheed, who deserves a roster spot?
The New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver room is young, hungry, and vying for limited spots on the 53-man roster ahead of week one.
After some drop concerns in the final preseason game, plenty of fans are concerned about the WR depth chart past obvious starters Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Most NFL teams keep around five to seven receivers on an active roster, so here’s a prediction for the lucky six and their pecking order on the initial depth chart
Olave is the clear WR1 in New Orleans. This spotlight will be bright on the former Buckeye, especially considering Michael Thomas is officially out of New Orleans. Health will be the biggest goal for Olave this season as he prepares for the second-to-last season on his contract.
2. Rashid Shaheed
Shaheed has proven his ability over the past two years. The former UDFA has defied the odds since his signing in 2022 and needs to prove himself once again. Perhaps Shaheed will also be more effective in the run game after a much-needed offensive coordinator change.
3. A.T. Perry
A.T, Perry had an impressive rookie season in 2023. His versatility was on full display and brought a physical element to the receiver room that left alongside Michael Thomas’ injuries. Perry’s physicality and frame are exactly why he should be WR3 over Cedrick Wilson Jr., even though both should have significant roles in the offense. Although Dennis Allen has asked for Perry to “step up” before week one, his preseason performances have been a sign of what is to come.
4. Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Wilson is the most experienced receiver on this list, and experience is exactly what Klint Kubiak needs. Wislon’s speed and post-catch athleticism will be a weapon for the Saints; however, his limited production in Miami leaves room for younger talents to surpass him. But don’t be fooled - Cedrick Wilson will have a significant role to play in this offense as WR4.
5. Equanimeous St. Brown
St. Brown is another experienced receiver that could be of great value to New Orleans this season. His overall positive performance in the preseason was a glimpse at the potential value he could bring in 2024. His touchdown pass from Spencer Rattler might have been the best play by the offense this preseason. He deserves a spot on the active roster.
6. Bub Means
Many receivers could be the WR6 for New Orleans, and betting on your recent draft picks tends to be a good strategy. Even though Means had a mostly quiet preseason, he’s entering his rookie season after a six-touchdown, 720-yard season with the Pitt Panthers. Means is incredibly fast for his 6’2, 215-pound frame, but needs to work on his catching and route-running consistency. He should get a shot to prove himself in limited fashion this season.
Practice Squad:
Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on...
