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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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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 /

Round 2, Pick 47: Michael Thomas, WR

In the second round, the Saints decided to pick up some offensive help. Wide receiver Michael Thomas out of Ohio State was the best match for the team. During his time at Ohio State, Thomas finished out his redshirt junior year with 56 catches for 781 yards and nine touchdowns.

Missing only one game last season, Thomas was one of the best investments the Saints made. He finished the season with 92 catches for 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns. He quickly was able to adjust to the Saints offense and behind Cooks and Snead was one of Brees’ top wide receivers.

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Another obvious one, but there’s no way the New Orleans Saints are getting rid of Michael Thomas. With Cooks now gone, he looks to be either target No. 1 or 2 depending on where Snead or Ginn stand. He completely exceeded expectations.

Grade: A

Round 2, Pick 61: Vonn Bell, S

Fans weren’t very happy with this pick at first. Originally, the Saints were supposed to have six picks in the 2016 NFL Draft, but traded one away to pick twice in the second round. Another product of Ohio State, Vonn Bell’s final year consisted of 65 combined tackles, two interceptions, and a recovered fumble.

Bell played all 16 games in his rookie season and finished the season with 87 combined tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles and a recovered fumble. Despite not producing any interceptions, Bell was well-worth trading up for and inevitably made the defense a lot better. That’s not even mentioning that he was paid an incentive later for his hard work on the field.

Once again, Bell will stay on the Saints roster this year. With the Saints likely looking at the defense again in the 2017 draft, he could have a breakout sophomore season.

Grade: A+

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