Revisiting NFL draft history is a classic fan pastime, and for the New Orleans Saints, the 21st century offers a clear tale of two picks: one a franchise-defining steal, the other a costly miss.

When looking for the best draft selection since 2000, the choice is clear: defensive end Cameron Jordan. Taken 24th overall in 2011, Jordan has been the heart of the Saints' defense for over a decade. His consistency is staggering; he's coming off a 10.5-sack season in his 14th year and sits 22nd on the NFL's all-time sack list. While perennial Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans was a cornerstone of the 2009 championship offense, Jordan's longevity and sustained elite production give him the edge as the franchise's premier draft pick of the modern era.

On the opposite end of the spectrum sits defensive tackle Jonathan Sullivan, the 6th overall pick in 2003. This selection stands as the team's worst draft misstep. Plagued by conditioning issues, Sullivan was a non-factor, recording a mere 1.5 sacks in 36 games before being traded. For a top-10 pick, that return is devastating. As the Saints hold the 8th pick in the upcoming draft, Sullivan's ghost serves as a cautionary tale about the high stakes of premium selections.

Of course, the draft conversation doesn't end there. Alvin Kamara, a 2017 third-rounder, is one of the great steals in recent memory. Meanwhile, young talents like offensive tackle Trevor Penning have the potential to build legacies that could one day challenge for the "best pick" title. For now, the legacy of the Saints' 21st-century drafting is perfectly bookended by the relentless excellence of Cameron Jordan and the stark reminder of Jonathan Sullivan's bust.