The NFL Draft is always tough to predict with the New Orleans Saints. This year, however, there is seemingly more freedom to how Kellen Moore and co. can navigate the first round.

Potential best player available situation looms for New Orleans

In an intel piece from ESPN, a couple different reports made it clear that the Saints will have a great opportunity to boost their roster in round one.

They do not see a certain position as one they must address, and rather, the Saints can trust their evaluations and prioritize talent purely at no. 8 overall.

“Around 40%. WR remains a big need, but the Saints have positioned themselves to look at a few positions. Don’t rule out pass rusher or other defensive positions after New Orleans signed several offensive free agents. Wide receivers Makai Lemon (USC) or Carnell Tate (Ohio State) would make sense in Round 1. But if the Saints choose to take a WR later in the draft instead, second-year QB Tyler Shough already has made his case for Chris Bell, Shough’s former Louisville teammate.” — Katherine Terrell, ESPN

Jordan Reid of ESPN doubled down on this premise and mentioned Tate as a complement to former Ohio State WR Chris Olave in Kellen Moore’s passing game. They can work well with each, along with TE Juwan Johnson and new RB Travis Etienne.

“What we’re hearing about the Saints’ draft: The Saints are open to the best player available at No. 8. But it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they would quickly add Tate if he’s still available at No. 8 and have him join fellow Ohio State alumnus Chris Olave.” — Jordan Reid, ESPN

It makes plenty of sense for the Saints to go wideout in the first round, but they are not pigeon-holed into making that choice.

EDGE rusher and safety or cornerback are also options when it comes to need, and there are prospects expected to go in the 6-12 range that fit that billing who could be available for New Orleans.

Jeremiyah Love

Additionally, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love cannot be ruled out, either.

Yes, the Saints added Etienne during free agency, but Alvin Kamara’s future remains murky. If Love is the best player left on their board and he is still available, he can still be the Saints’ selection, regardless of Etienne’s addition.