Apr 25, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Former New Orleans Saints tackle Ryan Ramczyk announces the team’s selection with the 40th overall pick during the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason/USA Today Network via Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The 2017 and 2006 New Orleans Saints draft classes are two of the teams’ most impactful rookie groups in the team’s history. This year’s 2025 draft class has a chance to etch their name in the same annals if the talent can rise to the opportunity.
The 2025 Saints draft class ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/N0AZzWknff
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 27, 2025
Much like 2006, the 2025 class enters the fold as the Saints are turning over a new leaf. Coming off the heels of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and wide-swath change within the organization, the 2006 class represented change.
The Impact Of The 2006 Class
It did so by providing five multi-year starters to the team.
- RB Reggie Bush
- S Roman Harper
- G Jahri Evans
- T Zach Strief
- WR Marques Colston
Even though that group did include its misses–including the regrettable decision to move defensive end Rob Ninkovich after just one year–the class helped the Saints move into their future and build its new identity into one that eventually led to a championship
2017 Extended The Golden Years
Following the dysfunctional 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons, the Saints’ 2017 draft class changed everything for where the team looked to be headed. After three-straight 7-9 seasons, things didn’t look to be going in the right direction for the team. But then, arguably the franchise’s best draft class changed everything.
First-round pick cornerback Marshon Lattimore and third-round running back Alvin Kamara both claimed their respective rookie of the year awards. Tackle Ryan Ramczyk was a multi-year starter and will be remembered as one of the team’s best tackles in its history. Defenders like safety Marcus Williams, defensive end Trey Hendrickson and linebacker Alex Anzalone all contributed to the defensive turnaround the team desperately needed after some historically bad performances in the previous years.
Williams, Hendrickson and Anzalone along with defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad went on to claim new deals with and produce well for other clubs.
2025 Brings Familiar Hope
Now, the Saints’ 2025 class has a chance to do something similar. While this year’s nine-player group may not command rookie of the year awards or go on to be the franchise leader in touchdowns scored like Colston and eventually Kamara did, they do represent a new life for the Saints.
First-round tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. has a chance to become the team’s next stalwart left tackle. Second-round quarterback Tyler Shough could be the club’s next franchise quarterback. Defenders Danny Stutsman, Jonas Sanker and Quincy Riley could quickly be turned to as the future of their positions. All nine players have a path to impact during their first four years.
Even a sixth-round selection like running back Devin Neal could work his way into a large role in the future as a durable, workhouse back. Defensive tackle Vernon Broughton, tight end Moliki Matavao and edge rusher Fadil Diggs can grow behind rotational additions with their inherent potential.
Much like 2006, the class enters as a new head coach and quarterback take the reins and a new identity arrives at Airline Drive.
Like 2017, multiple of the class’s players will be asked to step into important starting roles during their rookie season or early in their rookie contracts.
This class can be looked to as the next source of hope for the organization and its fans. Maybe it will rise to the occasion and provide that hope, perhaps it will not. But in any case, the opportunity is there for the taking.
