Marshon Lattimore arrived as an immediate difference-maker in the secondary, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 and becoming a multi-time Pro Bowler. His fluid coverage and ability to shadow top receivers elevated the Saints’ defense and helped redefine the unit’s ceiling for years to come, even in seasons without a title.
Across the line, Ryan Ramczyk and Marcus Williams provided foundational stability. Ramczyk, the Round 1 pick at 32, developed into a durable, high-level tackle, earning All-Pro recognition and logging 101 career starts with a minimal penalty footprint. Williams, a Round 2 selection at 42, emerged as a reliable free safety, contributing hundreds of tackles and 20 interceptions while anchoring the defense in multiple playoff runs.
Alvin Kamara transformed the Saints’ offense with rare versatility, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 and producing a prolific career as both a rusher and receiver. His combination of vision, balance, and space-time acceleration helped the attack function at a high level, cementing his status as a centerpiece even without a championship to accompany his individual excellence.
The class also delivered valuable depth at linebacker and on the edge. Alex Anzalone (Round 3, 76) became a long-term starter known for tackling and coverage versatility, while Trey Hendrickson (Round 3, 103) evolved into a premier pass rusher, posting a long track record of productive sack production after breaking out in New Orleans.
Al-Quadin Muhammad (Round 6, 196) provided important rotational depth along the defensive line, contributing with edge pressure and run defense when called upon. His career underscored the broader theme of the class: meaningful, durable contributions from multiple rounds that sustained the Saints’ competitive window.
The 2017 Saints draft class demonstrates that a championship isn’t the sole Measure of drafting greatness. With a blend of star power, reliability, and long-term production, it stands as one of the most complete and impactful draft hauls in NFL history, illustrating how strong drafting can build a perennial contender even without a title.
