Saints got a private look at a draft prospect who could replace Rashid Shaheed for them in multiple ways
New Orleans may want to add him to their depth chart.
The New Orleans Saints are busy with pre-draft visits right now. Multiple pieces of their coaching staff are getting involved on both sides of the football, and even some of their executives are talking with prospects.
A recent report involving an offensive playmaker is intriguing, considering what the Saints did with Rashid Shaheed last season.
Saints showing interest in Georgia WR Zachariah Branch
According to Field Yates, the Saints held a recent private workout with Georgia Bulldogs WR Zachariah Branch. They wanted to see both his receiving and return skills.
“The highest touted Georgia wide receiver, Branch, didn’t post extremely impressive size-adjusted numbers considering he only weighed in a 177 pounds, but his speed was on full display. He ran a 4.35-second forty-yard dash, virtually locking in Day Two NFL Draft capital for himself (full Athletic Composite profile for Branch in the image below).” — Travis May
Replacing Rashid Shaheed
New Orleans traded Shaheed to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks last season at the trade deadline. Without him in the fold, their return game was a bit less explosive, and a true speedster behind Chris Olave was missing from the passing game.
With Branch, he could step into the starting punt and kick returner role for the Saints. His blazing speed would remind plenty of fans of Shaheed’s burst when he wore black and gold.
The young WR has work to do when it comes to route running and understanding space, but his physical attributes can give him an early upper hand to get his pro career off the ground quicker than some other options, potentially.
The Saints need more playmakers. Branch has that potential.
“His floor is a movable chess piece who contributes from day one through speed, return ability, and schemed touches. His ceiling is a productive starting slot receiver who threatens vertically while creating chunk plays underneath. Durability will be a recurring conversation, and the blocking and effort lapses need fixing. But 81 catches against SEC defenses carry real weight, and his speed changes how opponents have to prepare on a weekly basis.” — NFL Draft Buzz on Branch
It will be interesting to see where Branch lands in the draft. Many mocks project him going sometime in the middle of day two, but taking him in the top 45 or around 75 is a major difference.
We will see how much interest the Saints have in him naturally, as well.
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