Much of the recent draft focus on the New Orleans Saints has been their possible need for a quarterback. With Derek Carr potentially out for the season with a shoulder issue, quarterback rumors are now fully ablaze.
The Saints have several other needs too, on both sides of the ball. One of those needs is at the wide receiver position. Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks are a trio of explosive playmakers. However, none are big-bodied pass catchers.
New Orleans has lacked a physical intermediate weapon since the decline of Michael Thomas. Moreover, the Saints got next to no production from their wideouts after Olave, Shaheed, and Bub Means were lost for the year before midseason.
Arizona playmaker Tetairoa McMillan has been linked to the Saints by some in the first round. With quarterback and other needs more pressing, it seems likely that New Orleans waits on a receiver.
If they target one in Day 2, this SEC playmaker and local product could wind up in their crosshairs.
Tre Harris, WR (Mississippi)
Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Tre Harris (9) hauls in a touchdown pass against the Florida Gators. © Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
A star quarterback for Ovey Comeaux High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, Harris committed to Louisiana Tech as a wide receiver. He'd catch just one pass in seven games of limited time as a freshman during the 2020 season.
In 2021, Harris caught 40 passes for 562 yards and 4 touchdowns, finishing second on the team in all three categories. His 65 receptions for 935 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022 led the Bulldogs in each stat, leading to 1st Team All-Conference USA honors. At the end of the 2022-23 campaign, Harris transferred to Mississippi.
In his first season with the Rebels in 2023, Harris had a team-high 985 yards and 8 touchdowns on 54 receptions. He'd follow that up by leading Ole Miss with 60 catches and 1,030 yards in 2024, scoring 7 times.
Harris played 18 games for Mississippi over two years. He had 10 100-yard outings, including two 200-yard games. He ended his Rebels career with 114 receptions, 2,015 yards, 15 touchdowns, and a 1st Team All-SEC selection in 2024.
At 6'2" and 205-Lbs., Harris possesses good size with extremely underrated athletic ability. However, he'll need to do a better job of consistently using his physicality and athleticism on the field.
Harris has sometimes had trouble getting a clean release off the line of scrimmage against a physical press. He can also be knocked off balance during his pattern by physical defenders, disrupting a timing route. His speed, while good, lacks an explosive burst for separation.
As a route runner, Harris must sharpen his breaks and prove he can handle expanded assignments. He wasn't asked to run a big route tree in college and would tend to round off his breaks.
Harris does manage to get separation with savvy fakes and agility. He'll set up defenders for fakes like a seasoned pro and shows an excellent understanding of zone coverages and where to find open space.
Harris is one of the best in-air ball trackers in this class. He has outstanding body control, a large catch radius, and pulls in the pass away from his body with extremely reliable hands. His outstanding leaping ability allows him to high-point throws, giving his quarterback a big margin for error.
After the catch, Harris is extremely elusive in the open field. He shows terrific vision as a runner and is a viable weapon on screens and quick throws. He's also an underrated blocker, a sometimes lost art at the wide receiver position.
Tre Harris is an almost sure Day 2 pick that could be selected as early as midway through the second round. He has an ideal physical build to be a starting wideout, with the athletic ability and ball skills to be productive at all three levels.
For the New Orleans Saints, Harris possesses what they've lacked for years. He should be an immediate contributor and has the traits to excel as an intermediate target.
