The New Orleans Saints became legitimate contenders once former head coach Sean Payton took over in 2006.
Before he mentored the franchise, the Saints made the playoffs just five times.
But during his tenure, the team went to nine postseasons and played in three NFC Championship Games.
He also helped bring a Super Bowl trophy to The Big Easy.
Payton also gave New Orleans nine seasons of at least ten victories.
Aside from terrific coaching, the team built its success through terrific drafting, as shared by Pro Football Focus.
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 15, 2022
PFF writer Michael Renner ranks two of their draft classes in the top ten.
At number ten is the 2006 Saints draft class which had Reggie Bush, Roman Harper, Jahri Evans, Rob Ninkovich, Zach Strief, and Marques Colston.
Harper is a two-time Pro Bowler while Evans is a five-time All-Pro.
Strief made it to the 2013 PFF All-Pro Team while Colston is a part of the Saints Hall of Fame.
Ninkovich spent most of his career with the New England Patriots and his impact helped the team win two Super Bowls.
Meanwhile, their 2017 Saints draft class took the top spot and with good reason.
Offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk and running back Alvin Kamara have become All-Pros.
Meanwhile, cornerback Marshon Lattimore is a four-time Pro Bowler.
Though he is not with the team anymore, defensive end Trey Hendrickson made a huge impact on the Cincinnati Bengals’ Super Bowl run last season.
Saints Hope The 2022 Draft Haul Are Hits
While they already have a formidable roster on both sides of the ball, the Saints need to add more talent to maintain their winning ways.
That’s why they are banking on Chris Olave to become a game-changer at wide receiver.
They would also want Trevor Penning to provide impenetrable protection for the quarterback and for Alontae Taylor to shut down the other team’s receivers.
Finally, they wish that D’Marco Jackson and Jordan Jackson will be the defensive steals of the 2022 draft.
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