Two Hall-of-Fame players were selected 40th overall in the last 35 years in Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas and New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan. And No. 40 has produced several solid NFL players in the last decade, including Denver Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton.
New Orleans also used the No. 40 pick to nab Tracy Porter back in 2008, a year before he turned in one of the most iconic plays in franchise history, intercepting Peyton Manning and returning it for a decisive touchdown in Super Bowl XLIV.
Pick 71
Notable recent selections: WR Velus Jones, DT Justin Madubuike, LB Christian Kirksey
Best ever: DT Randy Starks, RB Demarco Murray, RB Duce Staley, DB Donnie Abraham
Saints history: DE Joel Smeenge (1990), TE Hoby Brenner (1981)
Pick 115
Notable recent selections: LB De’Vondre Campbell, LB Jabril Cox, TE Harrison Bryant
Best ever: FB Larry Centers
Saints history: FB Moran Norris (2001), DB Reggie Sutton (1986), DB Eric Felton (1978), QB Ronnie Lee South (1968)
Pick 146
Notable recent selections: OC Tyler Biadasz, TE George Kittle, DE Matt Judon, WR Stefon Diggs
Best ever: Diggs, DE Trent Cole, QB Mark Rypien
Saints history: DB Ricky Ray (1979)
Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Saints to trade out of this pick.
Six starting-caliber players have been selected 146th overall in the last eight drafts, not including linebacker Micah McFadden, who started seven games for the New York Giants last year.
That number includes a couple star-caliber players, such as Buffalo Bills receiver Stefon Diggs (drafted by the Vikings), San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and New England Patriots sack artist Matt Judon (drafted by the Baltimore Ravens).
Pick 165
Notable recent selections: WR Tyreek Hill, CB Jamal Agnew, P Bradley Pinion
Best ever: Hill, OT Tunch Ilkin
Saints history: TE Nick Savoie (1997), WR Terry Guess (1996), DT Ronnie Nixon (1993)
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