4 options for the New Orleans Saints in first round of 2023 NFL Draft

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The New Orleans Saints used a first round pick last year on a wide receiver when they selected Chris Olave out of Ohio State with the 11th overall pick. He had an excellent rookie season with 72 receptions, 1,042 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.

Olave looks like he can be the Saints’ top wide receiver but he will need some help, especially if New Orleans moves on from Michael Thomas this offseason. One player the Saints could look to draft is actually a former teammate of Olave in Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

In 2021, playing alongside Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba had his best season with the Buckeyes with 95 receptions, 1,606 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. This past season he was limited by a hamstring injury and wasn’t able to build off the promising season in 2021 but he is an excellent slot receiver that could really solidify the wide receiver position for the New Orleans Saints.