hagan714

METAIRIE, La. -- The NFL’s No. 1 passing offense doesn’t have a single wide receiver over the age of 24.

The New Orleans Saints keep getting younger -- and better -- at that spot, thanks to the addition of second-round draft pick Michael Thomas, who has a touchdown in each of the past three games.

Thomas (23) has joined third-year pros Brandin Cooks (23), Willie Snead (24) and Brandon Coleman (24) to help keep 37-year-old quarterback Drew Brees young.

Throw in rookie backups Tommylee Lewis (23) and Jake Lampman (23), and the Saints have the NFL’s third-youngest wide receiver corps, at an average age of 23.3.

Only the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins are younger at 23.0, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information.

But the Saints’ receivers certainly don’t act their age. All of them have taken on major roles early in their careers, with Brees and coaches lauding them for their maturity and work ethic.


Brees also loves the fact that the Saints got to start molding them from a young age.


“We’re taking these guys right out of college and this is their first team so, ‘This is how we’re doing it, and this is how it needs to be done, and this is what I’m expecting. And I can also tell you that this is when the ball’s gonna be there and that’s when you need to be there.'” Brees said. “A lot of times we have the ability to show them 11 years’ worth of film to show why something should be done a certain way or how it’s evolved. Like, ‘Here’s the evolution, here’s where it started, and this is where it is now.’
“And maybe like, ‘Hey, this is where we can take it once we get really good at it.’”

“All those guys are ready, and they’re always prepared, and they know their opportunities will come,” Brees said. “And they work extremely hard, and they push one another too. I mean, there’s a pride and there’s a sense of competition from that group.”
New Orleans Saints' WR corps among NFL's youngest and best - New Orleans Saints Blog- ESPN

i am still in the belief that we are missing one piece. Thomas looks to have the makings of a #1. But a true #2 with size and speed to free up not only Thomas but Cooks and Snead as well in a 4 WR set that we love to run.

Mid rounds may have that piece

Jamari Staples, WR/KR Louisville 6026 195 4.45 #2 rSr

He is not polished but the guy can catch, fearless and loves jump ball battles.

Throw a player like this in the mix and defenses will have gaping holes for Drew to advantage of.

Thomas continues to develop and I think we are sitting pretty good.

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"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins