Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
When New Orleans Saints wide receiver Joe Morgan was lost for the season, the no. 3 receiver position in the explosive Saints offense was up for grabs. That open position now appears to be rookie Kenny Stills‘ to lose.
The former Oklahoma Sooners standout declared one year early for the NFL draft, which was a mistake according to the experts. Initially, the critics looked to be correct in their assessment as Stills fell to the fifth round before the Saints grabbed him.
Falling to the fifth round motivated Stills, as he is playing this season with a chip on his shoulder feeling like he has a lot to prove.
Thus far, he is proving enough to the Saints coaching staff to earn their trust through camp. So much so that Stills has played with the first team squad in both preseason games. Stills made an acrobatic grab in the Saints’ first game versus the Kansas City Chiefs for 22 yards. However, he was more focused on a dropped long ball that he should have hauled in.
He ability to learn from each mistake has been an asset that has drawn praise from the Saints’ coaching staff. If Stills’ effort in the second preseason game vs. the Oakland Raiders is any indication of his recovery from tough mistakes, the praise is deserved. Stills hauled in four grabs for 64 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Drew Brees.
Stills is an intriguing player to watch this fantasy football season. He certainly does not yet warrant a draft pick as he should be available on waivers following most league drafts, but he is certainly worth your attention as he builds momentum during the season.
Remember this: the Saints are a team known for their conservative handling of young wide receivers. Generally, rookies see little action during the season. Stills seems to be on pace to change that tradition. The last time a rookie wide receiver took the field for the Saints was 2007 — that guy was Marques Colston.
Stills finished his college career with the third-most receiving yards and fourth-most receptions in Oklahoma school history. He certainly has the talent, and now he has the opportunity. Remember the name as you watch the waivers this fantasy season.
Jim Heath is a Fantasy Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_heath, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
