By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter
Ex-LSU wide receiver Barion Brown was already making waves at Saints training camp, but now he could have the opportunity to show he can bring more than just hype from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.
The Saints top rookie receiver, eighth-overall NFL Draft pick Jordyn Tyson, could be sidelined for around two months with a right hamstring strain. The former Arizona State receiver and ex-favorite target of now-LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt was the Saints’ No. 2 receiver behind All-Pro Chris Olave. 2024 seventh-rounder Devaughn Vele should fill that spot in Tyson’s absence, but it does create a chance for Brown to see real usage to start the regular season.
Brown was taken in the sixth round of the NFL Draft this spring, but his breakaway speed, fluid route running and explosive kick return skills have generated a lot more preseason noise than the average late-rounder.
In the Saints’ preseason opener versus the Jaguars on Saturday, Brown caught all four of his targets for 53 yards. With the starters on the bench, Brown handled the top wide receiver duties with the usual second-team to open the game.
“Camp is going great uh for me so far, and I give all kudos to the coaching staff — offensive coaches, defense and special teams,” Brown said in a postgame interview. “That’s helping me become a better person. I’m a better player, and I’m just thankful they gave me the opportunity.”
That opportunity will likely grow while Tyson is sidelined. The Saints ran 66.7% of their offensive plays out of 11 personnel (one RB, one TE) last season, the fourth highest rate in the NFL. New Orleans added free agent and rookie tight ends Noah Fant and Oscar Delp to help follow the league’s growing trend towards multi-TE packages, but head coach Kellen Moore will still be looking for a consistent No. 3 receiver.
Brown offers speed and deep playmaking ability that other pass catchers on the roster do not. He connected with third-string QB Zach Wilson on a 28-yard pass to put the Saints in the red zone with 34 seconds left in the first half. All three of his other catches, though, came on quick slants under 10 yards, reflecting the offensive versatility that has impressed coaches, teammates and media throughout the preseason.
Brown is listed as a backup receiver behind Olave, Tyson and Vele on the Saints’ unofficial depth chart. His most immediate competition for the WR3 role are fifth-round rookie Bryce Lance and third-year Saint Kevin Austin Jr.
Brown will have another chance to improve his standing on the team in a preseason game against the Rams on Saturday.
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