Roster locks, long shots, and wide receivers on the bubble at Saints training camp
The only certainty about the New Orleans Saints receiving corps is they won’t have Michael Thomas leading them to start the season. Beyond that, it’s a bunch of hope and prayers that a couple of second- and third-year players and Tre’Quan Smith can make big strides following a change at quarterback. It’s one of the weaker position groups on the team and around the NFL because of those unproven options.
So which players are locks to make the Week 1 roster? Who is on the bubble, and who should be seen as long shots going into training camp?
Roster locks
Michael Thomas, Tre'Quan Smith, Deonte Harris No surprises here. Thomas' job will be waiting for him once he's cleared to play. Smith is maybe the biggest benefactor of the rocket-armed Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston starting in relief of Drew Brees (remember, he averaged almost 20 yards per receptions his last year in college), while Harris made very encouraging progress in 2020 as a catch-and-run threat in the passing game. But who joins them on the opening-day roster?
On the bubble
Marquez Callaway, Juwan Johnson, Lil'Jordan Humphrey Of this group, Callaway is probably the likeliest to make the team, but expectations should be tempered given his hot-and-cold rookie year (remember, he totaled just receptions for yards). Johnson has taken the initiative to begin cross-training at tight end over the summer, which could help him stand out from this crowded position group. If not for an early-season injury, Humphrey would have dressed for several games, and experience is on his side.
Long shots
Kawaan Baker, Jake Lampman, Jalen McCleskey, Easop Winston All of these receivers are late additions who need to show the Saints why they should make the team. That includes baker, New Orleans' seventh round draft pick this year. Baker has some versatility after lining up everywhere at South Alabama; Lampman already spent time with the Saints in their 2016 training camp; McCleskey has rare speed as a vertical threat; and Winston was a productive pass-catcher at Washington State. Any of them could break out, but they each a steep hill to climb.
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