![Alvin Kamara was Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017. - [David Cross / Flickr]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/4/11/660x290/b_502x220x82/alvin-kamara-was-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-in-2017-image-source-flickr-david-cross_2246653.jpg "Alvin Kamara was Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017. - [David Cross / Flickr]")
After looking at the best recent draft picks for 30 other teams, it's now time to look at the Saints, who have the 62nd pick in this month's draft (they traded their first-rounder in order to move up to draft Marcus Davenport last year). Luke Easterling of USA Today has them selecting safety Amani Hooker out of Iowa with that pick in his latest mock draft.
Since 2000, the Saints have qualified for the playoffs eight times, and they went on to win the Super Bowl in the 2009 season. Four of the players who made their way onto this list were members of that championship team. Some excellent draft choices over the past few years have also helped New Orleans to a 24-8 record in the last two seasons.
Note: Only time with the Saints is considered for this list. Where they were drafted (and how long they played with the team) makes a difference - meaning this isn't exactly a list of the top 10 players drafted by New Orleans since 2000. Remember this is a subjective list, meaning there can be much debate as to who the top-ten should be. Some late-round draft picks that didn't quite make the list but had solid careers with the team include Zach Strief (seventh round, 2006), Jermon Bushrod (fourth round, 2007), Thomas Morstead (fifth round, 2009), Kenny Stills (fifth round, 2013), and Tyler Davison (fifth round, 2015).
Jahri Evans, G - fourth round, 108th overall (2006); time with Saints: 2006-2016
In 11 seasons with New Orleans, Evans started 169 games as the right guard. He was named to six straight Pro Bowls from 2009-2014 and was a First Team All-Pro four straight years from 2009-2012.
Cameron Jordan, DE - first round, 24th overall (2011); time with Saints: 2011-present
In eight seasons, Jordan has recorded 71.5 sacks which places him fourth on the Saints' all-time list. The four-time Pro Bowler has reached double-digit sack totals in four seasons.
Marques Colston, WR - seventh round, 252nd overall (2006); time with Saints: 2006-2015
One of the last selections of the 2006 draft, Colston easily exceeded expectations by going over 1,000 yards receiving in six of his first seven years. For his career, he caught 711 balls for 9,759 yards and 72 touchdowns.
Michael Thomas, WR - second round, 47th overall (2016); time with Saints: 2016-present
Thomas is coming off a superb 2018 season in which he led the league with 125 catches. His first three seasons have been matched by few in history, as he has totaled 321 catches for 3,787 yards and 23 touchdowns. SB Nation recently looked at what a future contract extension may look like for Thomas.
Jimmy Graham, TE - third round, 95th overall (2010); time with Saints: 2010-2014
In his last four years with the team, Graham finished with at least 85 receptions, 889 yards, and nine touchdowns each season. He made three Pro Bowls with New Orleans and was a First Team All-Pro in 2013, when he led the league with 16 receiving touchdowns.
Alvin Kamara, RB - third round, 67th overall (2017); time with Saints: 2017-present
The 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Kamara has proven to already be one of the league's most dangerous dual-threat backs. In two seasons, he has 32 touchdowns (22 rushing, nine receiving, one kick return) and has 3,146 yards from scrimmage.
Carl Nicks, OT - fifth round, 164th overall (2008); time with Saints: 2008-2011
While he played just four years with the Saints, Nicks was a force at left guard in that time. The former fifth-round pick started 61 games for New Orleans, made the Pro Bowl twice, and was a First Team All-Pro in 2011.
Deuce McAllister, RB - first round, 23rd overall (2001); time with Saints: 2001-2008
McAllister went over the 1,000-yard rushing mark four times in his career. A Pro Bowler in 2002 and 2003, he finished with 6,096 career rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns.
Mark Ingram, RB - first round, 28th overall (2011); time with Saints: 2011-2018
In eight years with the Saints (signed with the Ravens this offseason), Ingram had 6,007 yards and 50 scores on the ground. The two-time Pro Bowler averaged at least 4.3 yards per carry in each of the last six seasons.
Will Smith, DE - first round, 18th overall (2004); time with Saints: 2004-2012
Coming in at fifth on New Orleans' all-time sack list is Smith, who recorded 67.5 of those in nine seasons. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2006 and forced 20 fumbles in his career.
