Saints Wideouts Grab Spots in PFF Rankings

Pro Football Focus released their top NFL wide receiver rankings. Here's how they felt about the New Orleans wideouts.

New Orleans Saints wide receivers are expected to be a much-improved group in 2023. The team’s quarterback issues look to be solved with the signing of Derek Carr. Injuries and lack of depth have been two other issues for this position. Those also look stronger with the development of 2022 undrafted rookie Rashid Shaheed, free-agent additions of Bryan Edwards and James Washington, and sixth-round draft choice A.T. Perry.

In a Pro Football Focus article from last week, writer Sam Monson ranks that site's top 32 wideouts heading into the 2023 season. Two New Orleans wideouts made the list. The Saints were one of 10 teams that had two receivers in the PFF rankings. Former Saint WR Brandin Cooks also cracked the list.

Michael Thomas came in at Number 27 in the PFF rankings. Here's what Monson had to say about Thomas:

Another unknown quantity when it comes to ranking going forward, Thomas was one of the very best receivers in the game before injuries completely derailed his career. He has played in three games over the past two years, but even in those three games, he caught three touchdowns and had 22 targets. If Thomas is legitimately healthy in 2023, he could rocket up these rankings.

New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas (13) catches a pass behind Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24). Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY

The 30-year-old Thomas has played all of his seven seasons in New Orleans. Over his first four years, he averaged 117.5 catches and 1,378 yards per season, including an NFL-record 149 receptions in 2019. However, foot injuries have sidelined Thomas in 40 of the last 50 contests. He played just three games in 2022, but still had 16 catches for 171 yards and three scores.

Thomas is the most precise route runner in football and is an extremely physical player at 6'3" and 212-Lbs. Nearly unstoppable on short or intermediate routes against any coverage, Thomas is still a dominant performer if healthy. 

Chris Olave was the second New Orleans receiver listed by PFF, coming in at Number 32 on their rankings. Here's what Monson wrote about Olave:

Olave’s rookie season was exceptionally effective, with only opportunity holding him back from a truly impressive statistical output. He gained 2.42 yards per route run, which led all rookie receivers and ranked seventh overall, one spot behind Davante Adams. He was particularly effective as a deep threat, with an average depth of target 14.9 yards downfield.

New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave (12) catches a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The 11th overall choice in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Olave led the Saints in receiving last year with 72 catches for 1,042 yards. He became just the third player in franchise history to have over 1,000 yards receiving as a rookie, joining Thomas and Marques Colston. 

At 6-feet and 190-Lbs., Olave isn't the physical dominator that Thomas is. However, he's an excellent route runner with outstanding speed and exceptional open field skills. Even with a depleted receiving corps and inconsistent quarterback play, Olave remained consistently productive throughout the year. 

Both Olave and Thomas have much-deserved spots in the PFF rankings. However, a strong argument can be made that each were ranked entirely too low. Thomas at Number 27 makes some sense because of his recent injury issues. He'll likely rise significantly in these rankings if he can stay on the field.

Olave’s ranking at Number 32 is borderline absurd. Even with offensive issues, he was far more productive than several wideouts listed above him. That includes fellow Ohio State alum and 2022 first-rounder Garrett Wilson, who came in at Number 13.

Regardless of whether you agree with the PFF rankings, it seems a sure bet that New Orleans receivers are a much better group than we've seen in recent years. Thomas and Olave are both true Number 1 wideouts, with Shaheed adding an explosive element to the position. 

The Saints also have a deeper running back position and a solid pair of tight ends for their new quarterback. Derek Carr certainly won't lack weapons as New Orleans attempts to re-establish themselves as one of the NFL's better offenses in 2023.

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