The New Orleans Saints, a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, have a rich history in the National Football League (NFL) draft. The team was founded in 1967 and has been a part of the NFL draft ever since its inception. The Saints have had their fair share of successes and failures in the draft, with some picks becoming household names and others failing to make a significant impact.
One of the most notable draft picks in Saints history is Archie Manning, a quarterback from Ole Miss, who was selected with the second overall pick in the 1971 NFL draft. Manning played for the Saints from 1971 to 1981 and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection. He is also the father of Peyton and Eli Manning, two of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history.
Another notable draft pick is Willie Roaf, a tackle from Louisiana Tech, who was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 1993 NFL draft. Roaf played for the Saints from 1993 to 2001 and was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection. He is considered one of the greatest tackles in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
The Saints have also had success in the draft in recent years, selecting players such as Cameron Jordan, a defensive end from California, with the 24th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Jordan has been a key member of the Saints’ defense, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro.
In 2017, the Saints selected Marshon Lattimore, a cornerback from Ohio State, with the 11th overall pick in the NFL draft. Lattimore has been a standout player for the Saints, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro.
The Saints’ 2020 draft class was also notable, with the team selecting players such as Cesar Ruiz, a guard from Michigan, with the 24th overall pick, and Zach Baun, a linebacker from Wisconsin, with the 74th overall pick. Both players have shown promise and are expected to be key contributors to the Saints’ success in the future.
Here is a list of the Saints’ draft picks from the past five years:
- 2020:
- Cesar Ruiz, G, Michigan (1st round, 24th overall)
- Zach Baun, LB, Wisconsin (3rd round, 74th overall)
- Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton (3rd round, 105th overall)
- 2019:
- Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M (2nd round, 48th overall)
- Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida (4th round, 105th overall)
- 2018:
- Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA (1st round, 14th overall)
- Tre’Quan Smith, WR, UCF (3rd round, 91st overall)
- 2017:
- Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State (1st round, 11th overall)
- Ryan Ramczyk, T, Wisconsin (1st round, 32nd overall)
- 2016:
- Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville (1st round, 12th overall)
- Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State (2nd round, 47th overall)
The Saints’ draft strategy has been focused on building a strong team through a combination of free agency and the draft. The team has been successful in finding talent in the draft, with players such as Jordan, Lattimore, and Thomas becoming key contributors to the team’s success.
The team’s coaching staff, led by head coach Sean Payton, has also played a key role in the team’s draft success. Payton has been with the team since 2006 and has been successful in developing young players and getting the most out of his roster.
Overall, the Saints have a rich history in the NFL draft, with a mix of successful and unsuccessful picks. The team’s front office and coaching staff have been key in building a successful team through the draft, and the team is expected to continue to be a playoff contender in the future.
Who was the Saints' first-ever draft pick?
+The Saints' first-ever draft pick was Leslie Kelly, a running back from Alabama, who was selected with the 66th overall pick in the 1967 NFL draft.
What is the most successful draft pick in Saints history?
+Willie Roaf, a tackle from Louisiana Tech, is considered one of the most successful draft picks in Saints history. Roaf was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 1993 NFL draft and went on to play 11 seasons with the Saints, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro.
How many draft picks do the Saints have in the 2023 NFL draft?
+The Saints have a total of 6 draft picks in the 2023 NFL draft, including 1 pick in the 1st round, 1 pick in the 2nd round, 1 pick in the 3rd round, 1 pick in the 4th round, 1 pick in the 5th round, and 1 pick in the 6th round.
In conclusion, the New Orleans Saints have a rich history in the NFL draft, with a mix of successful and unsuccessful picks. The team’s front office and coaching staff have been key in building a successful team through the draft, and the team is expected to continue to be a playoff contender in the future.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Saints' Draft Strategy
- Identify team needs: The Saints' front office identifies the team's needs and priorities for the upcoming season.
- Scouting and evaluation: The team's scouting department evaluates college players and identifies potential draft picks.
- Draft preparation: The team's front office and coaching staff prepare for the draft by reviewing scouting reports and discussing potential picks.
- Draft day: The Saints make their draft picks, selecting players who fit the team's needs and priorities.
- Post-draft evaluation: The team evaluates its draft picks and assesses their potential impact on the team.
Overall, the Saints’ draft strategy is focused on building a strong team through a combination of free agency and the draft. The team’s front office and coaching staff have been successful in finding talent in the draft, and the team is expected to continue to be a playoff contender in the future.
