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New Orleans Saints: Grading Team’s 2016 NFL Draft Class

By Rebecca Mills

Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) catches a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (13) in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) catches a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (13) in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The draft is two weeks away but it’s never too late (or early) to grade the New Orleans Saints picks from the 2016 NFL Draft after their rookie seasons.

With a 7-9 record in 2016, the New Orleans Saints didn’t really live up to expectations. With only five draft picks last year, the Saints didn’t really have a chance to build on their roster. This year, things are looking a little brighter for the team. With two first-round picks, they should be able to find some studs or at least players to have ready by the regular season.

In 2016, the team was still able to find some studs and players to groom in the future, however. Let’s look back at their 2016 class and reevaluate their value to the team and if they’ll make the 2017 roster.

As far as grades go, I’ll be using the traditional A-F system unless a player was injured, traded or failed to get any playing time.

Nov 27, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) rushes against Los Angeles Rams guard Rodger Saffold (76) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) rushes against Los Angeles Rams guard Rodger Saffold (76) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1, Pick 12: Sheldon Rankins, DE

In the first round of the 2016 draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Sheldon Rankins, a defensive end out of Louisville. In his last season with the Cardinals, Rankins had 58 tackles, six sacks and a recovered fumbled returned for a touchdown.

In his rookie year with the Saints, Rankins played in nine games. In those nine outings, he racked up 20 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumbles. When he got on the field, he was actually pretty impressive and a big part of the Saints defense. With such a terrible defense in 2015, he was one of the key parts in them making headway towards becoming one of the better defenses last year.

It might seem obvious, but Rankins is going to stay on the roster this year. The Saints signed him to a four-year contract and there’s no doubt he’ll be an important asset this year. As far as a grade, I’m giving Rankins a B+, but only because of the fact that he missed almost half the season. If he can stay healthy, the payoff will be huge.

Grade: B+

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