The New Orleans Saints are going to look a lot different in 2022 than they did in 2021. The biggest change will be on the sideline, as Sean Payton stepped down as head coach, with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen taking over the mantle from him.

Not only will they have a new head coach, but the Saints roster could also look drastically different. New Orleans is the furthest over the cap of any team in the NFL and it isn’t particularly close. There will be some difficult decisions to be made, as some veterans will have to be released to save money and get under the salary cap.

There are plenty of holes on the roster that need filling as well. The 2022 NFL Draft will provide New Orleans with opportunities to add some talent on cost-effective contracts to plug the holes created by cap casualties.

Who could the Saints be looking at? Here are four prospects they can target with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

4. WR Chris Olave, Ohio State

The wide receiver depth chart needs an infusion of talent regardless of what happens with Michael Thomas. If Thomas is retained, as he restructured his contract, the team needs some depth behind him. If he is traded away to save money, the need at wide receiver is a massive one as no one seized the opportunity in 2021 to become the No. 1 target in this offense.

Ohio State’s Chris Olave would be a good place to start when it comes to reshaping the wide receiver group in New Orleans. He is a smooth route runner that got open with ease in college with great hands.

His speed is elite, as he was a track star in high school. He has a gear not many other people can attain, presenting yards after catch opportunities and the ability to blow by opponents in the open field.

3. OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa

The Saints could have a big hole on their offensive line depending on how free agency shakes out. Terron Armstead, who is one of the better left tackles in the NFL, is a free agent. If New Orleans cannot retain him, they will have to consider rebuilding the offensive line.

At No. 18, Trevor Penning could be in the mix. Penning was truly dominant at the FCS level, registering a PPF run-blocking grade that has never been seen before with a 99.9. He will help any offensive line in the running game and is someone that is rapidly moving up draft boards.

Standing 6’7” and weighing 321 pounds, Penning is a physically imposing monster of a man and would fit in well along the Saints’ offensive line. While the jump from the FCS level to the NFL is a big one, Penning has the size and technique to adjust quickly.

2. WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas

If the Saints want someone who profiles a little more as a potential No. 1 wide receiver, they could consider Arkansas wideout Treylon Burks with the No. 18 overall pick. While he didn’t receive as much fanfare as someone like Olave, he has attributes that you just cannot teach.

Burks stands 6’3” and weighs 225 pounds. That kind of size could be difference-making at the wide receiver spot, especially when combined with the speed that he has. On a team void of playmakers, Burks should find himself in a sizable role almost immediately.

With the Razorbacks in 2021 as a true junior, Burks had 1,100 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He could be a downfield weapon as his speed will enable him to run past defenders but he has the size to make up for an errant throw.

1. QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

The Saints have to address their need for a quarterback. Jameis Winston looked good last year before injuring his knee and is now a free agent again. The team likely won’t turn to Trevor Siemian, who lost all four of his starts last season and without Payton leading the way, no one knows what Taysom Hill’s role will be.

So, the Saints decide to get their quarterback of the future with Kenny Pickett from Pittsburgh. Pickett was excellent in 2021, finishing as a Heisman finalist. He threw for 42 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, making throws to every level of the field.

Pickett also has the athleticism to make some plays in the open field with his legs. There has been some concern about his hand size, which could knock him off of some team’s draft boards. However, playing in a dome with the Saints would mitigate some of those issues.