In the NFL, draft classes are often judged by championships, but that standard can obscure just how dominant a group of players truly was. As identified by Sports Illustrated, the 2017 class of the New Orleans Saints stands as a rare exception—an assembly of talent so complete and impactful that its legacy transcends the absence of a Super Bowl title. From day one, this class didn’t just contribute; it reshaped the identity of the franchise. It infused the roster with elite playmakers, high-IQ defenders, and foundational pieces on both sides of the ball.
What makes this class particularly remarkable is its breadth of success. Players like Marshon Lattimore and Alvin Kamara became immediate stars, earning Rookie of the Year honors and establishing themselves among the league’s elite at their respective positions. Meanwhile, cornerstone contributors such as Ryan Ramczyk and Marcus Williams provided stability and high-level production year after year. Even mid- and late-round selections developed into quality starters and impact players, reflecting exceptional scouting and player development.
Despite consistent playoff appearances and legitimate championship windows, postseason misfortune—rather than roster deficiencies—kept this group from reaching the sport’s ultimate stage. Still, when evaluated through the lens of sustained excellence, positional value, and total output, this draft class belongs in the conversation with the greatest in NFL history. It is a case study in how elite drafting can build a contender, even if the final piece—a Super Bowl victory—remains just out of reach.
Lattimore entered the league as an immediate difference-maker, elevating a struggling Saints secondary into a legitimate strength. His fluid coverage skills and ability to shadow top receivers made him one of the NFL’s premier shutdown corners. He routinely delivered in high-leverage moments, often neutralizing elite wideouts in divisional matchups. Even without a Super Bowl appearance to cap it, his individual impact helped define New Orleans’ defensive resurgence.
Ramczyk quietly became one of the most dependable offensive tackles of his generation, excelling in both pass protection and run blocking. His technical precision and discipline allowed the Saints’ offense to operate at peak efficiency during Drew Brees’ final years. Rarely penalized and even more rarely beaten cleanly, he set the standard for consistency at right tackle. His value, while less visible, was foundational to the team’s sustained success.
Williams developed into one of the league’s most instinctive free safeties, excelling in deep coverage and ball tracking. His ability to read quarterbacks and generate turnovers made him a constant presence in the secondary. While one missed play became a defining narrative, it obscures a career marked by reliability and production. Over time, he proved integral to a defense that consistently ranked among the league’s better units.
606 receptions, 4,948 receiving yards, 25 receiving TDs
Kamara redefined versatility at the running back position, functioning as both a dynamic rusher and an elite receiving weapon. His balance, vision, and open-field creativity made him one of the most difficult players to tackle in the league. As the Saints transitioned offensively, he remained the centerpiece, consistently producing at a high level. Despite the absence of a championship, his individual excellence places him among the most impactful players of his era.
Anzalone brought versatility and intelligence to the linebacker position, contributing across multiple phases of the defense. When healthy, he provided steady tackling and strong coverage ability, particularly against tight ends and running backs. His leadership and communication helped organize defensive alignments in complex schemes. Though not always in the spotlight, his consistency added meaningful depth to an already strong draft class.
236 tackles, 81 sacks, 16 passes defended, 15 forced fumbles
Hendrickson’s development from rotational player to premier pass rusher highlights the Saints’ ability to cultivate talent. His relentless motor and refined technique allowed him to emerge as one of the league’s most productive edge defenders. After breaking out in New Orleans, he sustained that success and became a centerpiece of defensive fronts elsewhere. His trajectory exemplifies both upside and long-term value from this class.
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Muhammad provided valuable depth along the defensive line, carving out a role through physicality and effort. While he never reached star status, his ability to contribute in rotational packages added stability to the front seven. He consistently set the edge against the run and offered situational pass-rush value. For a sixth-round selection, his career represents strong return on investment within an already historic class.
The 2017 Saints draft class is proof that greatness isn’t always defined by championships alone. Its combination of star power, depth, and long-term production remains unmatched among non-title-winning groups. In the broader history of the NFL, it stands as one of the most complete and impactful draft hauls ever assembled.