Saints’ Rookie Wide Receivers Are Developing Faster Than Expected

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The New Orleans Saints’ rookie wide receiver class — featuring Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance and Barion Brown — has unexpectedly emerged as a key component of the offense following training camp despite initial expectations of limited roles.

Though Tyson quickly established himself as the top rookie option, a right hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve to start the season, sidelining him for up to two months. Combined with contract negotiations involving Chris Olave and planned rest days for Devaughn Vele, the circumstances created additional opportunities for Lance and Brown to shoulder a heavier workload.

Head coach Kellen Moore said the tandem capitalized on those opportunities.

“I would say the way training camp went, they ended up having a lot more opportunities probably than we thought,” Moore said. “And then they took advantage of them.”

Tyson impressed early, earning the No. 2 wide receiver role before his injury. Meanwhile, Brown displayed offensive versatility beyond the special teams role initially envisioned for him. In addition to creating downfield plays throughout camp, Brown scored on a 7-yard jet sweep against the Dallas Cowboys in the preseason finale.

At 6-3, 203 pounds, Lance brings a physical presence to the wide receiver and cause matchup problems, especially if Vele is on the field as well.

Moore has mentioned that Lance has improved his physicality throughout training camp.

“I think for a bigger kid, obviously, that’s going to be an important part, particularly in the run game. I thought he’s been a really physical player,” Moore said. We know he’s fast, but the physicality — and then just the mental stuff is always the challenge for these guys. I thought he was doing a good job picking it up.”

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