Few teams have done as much work on wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft as the New Orleans Saints. Every prospect projected to be a top-50 pick has either toured their headquarters in Metairie on one of 30 official visits or worked out privately for the team on campus. The Saints are a team that needs help at the position.

However, their position coach Keith Williams has found the rookies lacking, but he wants it known he doesn't blame the players for it."As a father, a former college Wr coach, and a current NFL Wr coach I feel the need to plead with the current college Wr coaches to please continue to pour into your guys throughout this NFL process the best you can. This has been the worst I’ve seen it," Williams wrote on social media back on April 16. The veteran coach added that, "There’s far too many Wrs that are not physically,mentally,and probably most importantly,psychologically ready for this moment.

And it’s hurting them. I know they’re “technically” not your responsibility anymore, but last night you definitely told a new recruit you coached them."Williams has one of the strongest resumes you'll find around the league. Before he joined the Saints coaching staff, he worked as a personal trainer for Pro Bowlers and All-Pros, and before that, he coached in the college ranks (recruiting and mentoring Davante Adams at Fresno State back in the day).

He was one of the few assistants Kellen Moore retained after being hired as head coach. He's seen it all. And he doesn't see enough college coaches preparing their players for what comes after they turn pro.

That lines up with criticism former NFL wideout Steve Smith Sr. shared while evaluating Zachariah Branch and his peculiar role in the Georgia offense.So Williams' input carries a lot of weight. If he's seeing poor practice and preparation habits, expect him to speak up about it before the Saints' decisionmakers go into the war room on Thursday afternoon. And if the Saints do spend a premium pick on a wide receiver, expect them to carry his stamp of approval.There’s far too many Wrs that are not physically,mentally,and probably most importantly,psychologically ready for this moment.

And it’s hurting them. I know they’re “technically” not your responsibility anymore, but last night you definitely told a new recruit you coached them.— Keith Williams (@wideouts) April 16, 2026This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Saints' Keith Williams calls out rookie wide receivers