Saints Picks Among NFL's Best Draft Steals in Last Decade

At least a few of the terrific later round draft picks by the Saints were recognized by a national site.

After three consecutive 7-9 finishes from 2014-2016, the New Orleans Saints revamped their roster. They did so mostly through the draft. A suddenly younger nucleus helped the Saints to four consecutive NFC South titles and a .766 winning percentage between 2017 and 2020.

New Orleans turned around their fortunes with more than just successful first round picks. Several of the team’s Day 2 picks (second and third rounds) have actually been bigger stars than the top selections.

In a June article for ESPN, analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid collaborated for their top-50 NFL draft ''steals'' over the last decade. First-round picks and undrafted players weren't eligible. 

Miller and Reid chose four New Orleans Saints draft picks among their top-50 draft steals since 2013. Here is where they ranked according to the ESPN analysts.

47. Trey Hendrickson, DE

Sep 22, 2019; New Orleans Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) pressures Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3). Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

• 2017 - Florida Atlantic 

• Round 3, Pick #103 overall 

ESPN’s take:

Hendrickson was seen as a backup prospect because of short arms and inconsistent production. But in New Orleans, he developed into a three-down 4-3 defensive end after playing sparingly his first three seasons. Hendrickson came alive in 2020 and has 35.5 sacks since that time. — Miller

After being a solid rotational contributor in his first three seasons, Hendrickson exploded with 13.5 sacks for the Saints in 2020. That breakout landed him a big free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he's had 22 sacks the last two years.

32. Michael Thomas, WR 

Jan 20, 2019; New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs past Los Angeles Rams cornerback Marcus Peters (22). Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

• 2016 - Ohio State 

• Round 2, Pick #47 overall 

ESPN’s take:

Some questioned whether Thomas could expand his route tree in the NFL, but the Ohio State product silenced those critics immediately. He recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first four seasons, including when he posted a league-high 1,725 yards on 149 receptions (an NFL-Record) in 2019. When healthy, Thomas proved to be a dynamic underneath and red zone threat with plenty of catch-and-run ability. His struggles to stay on the field prevented him from being much higher on this list. — Reid 

After missing 40 of the last 50 games with injuries, Thomas is at a crossroads to his career. There can be no doubting Thomas when looking at his first four NFL seasons. Thomas averaged over 117 catches and 1,378 yards from 2016-2019, when he was one of the league's most dominant offensive players.

15. Terron Armstead, LT

Oct 25, 2021; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) blocks against the Seattle Seahawks. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY

• 2013 - Arkansas Pine-Bluff 

• Round 3, Pick # 175 Overall 

ESPN’s take:

Becoming a longtime starter at left tackle despite getting picked in the third round helps get you on a draft-steals list, and Armstead has been rock-solid since becoming a starter late in his rookie season. He quickly erased concerns about play power and level of experience coming out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Now a four-time Pro Bowl selection, Armstead has easily outpaced his draft position. — Miller

Armstead has had issues with injuries, he missed an average of six games per season his last eight years with New Orleans. When on the field, there were few better as either a run blocker or pass protector. He was a noticeable absence in the Saints lineup last season after signing with Miami in free agency  

13. Alvin Kamara, RB 

Oct 25, 2021; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) scores on a touchdown reception against the Seattle Seahawks. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

• 2017 - Tennessee 

• Round 3, Pick #67 overall

ESPN’s take:

After bouncing around in college — Alabama to Hutchinson Community College to Tennessee –Kamara slipped to the third round where the Saints made him part of one of the NFL’s greatest draft classes ever. Kamara quickly made his mark, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, earning a Pro Bowl invite and receiving second-team All-Pro honors. Injuries have slowed down Kamara’s production, but he remains one of the game’s best dual-threat running backs. — Miller

Kamara has been one of the NFL's most dynamic and versatile backs since bursting on the scene as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017. The focal point of the New Orleans attack, he's largely been the face of the franchise since QB Drew Brees retired. 

Hendrickson, Thomas, Armstead, and Kamara all have much-deserved spots among the top draft steals of the last decade. Kamara and Thomas will again be critical parts of any success that the Saints have in 2023.

A little surprising is the exclusion of C Erik McCoy (2nd round, 2019), DT David Onyemata (4th, 2016), and a trio of safeties - Vonn Bell (2nd, 2016), Marcus Williams (2nd, 2017), and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (4th, 2019). Cornerbacks Alontae Taylor (2nd, 2022) and Paulson Adebo (3rd, 2021) also have deserved spots on Miller and Reid's list, albeit early in their careers. 

Two other New Orleans players not drafted by the team but currently on the squad did make the list.

New Saints QB Derek Carr, added this offseason in free agency, was ranked as the 24th highest draft steal by Miller and Reid. New Orleans native and former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu was the 16th best draft steal since 2013.