<span>The 74th annual NFL Draft will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The draft, which will be the fourth since Head Coach Sean Payton arrived in New Orleans in 2006, will kick off at 3 p.m. (CT) on Saturday, with the first two rounds to be completed on the first day. The draft will resume on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. (CT) with the remaining five rounds to be completed. The Saints currently own four picks in the seven-round selection meeting, including the 14th pick overall. </span>
Both the NFL Network and ESPN/ESPN2 will provide full coverage of the draft on Saturday and Sunday. In 2008, the first round lasted three hours and 20 minutes and the second round was completed in two hours and 23 minutes to wrap up the first day. The second day of the draft, comprising of the final five rounds took eight hours and 33 minutes.
Each team is permitted a maximum of ten minutes per selection in the first round, seven minutes in the second round and five minutes for rounds three through seven. Trading is allowed during the course of the draft. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reserves the right to proceed with the selection process if a club fails to complete a trade with their allotted time period in that round.
The Detroit Lions (Nos. 1 and 20), Denver Broncos (Nos. 12 and 18) and Philadelphia Eagles (Nos. 21 and 28) each have two selections in the first round of this year's draft. Carolina, Chicago and Dallas do not have first round picks as a result of trades. All other teams have one first round selection.
There will be a total of seven rounds and 256 selections (224 regular picks and 32 compensatory choices). The NFL awarded 32 draft picks to 19 teams that sustained a net loss of unrestricted free agents last year.
Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team that loses more than it acquires in previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft choices, which cannot be traded. The Saints were not awarded any compensatory picks in 2009.
In all, the Saints currently hold four picks in this year's draft. New Orleans holds its own selection in the first round (14th overall). The Saints dealt their second (45th overall) and fifth (151st overall) round choices to the New York Giants last July in exchange for TE Jeremy Shockey and the New York Jets hold their third round pick (76th overall) as part of last year's trade for LB Jonathan Vilma. In the fourth round, the Saints have their own pick (116th overall), while an additional fourth round selection (118th overall) was acquired by from the Jets as part of the trade for Vilma. Their sixth round pick (187th overall) was acquired by the Green Bay Packers last year in a draft day trade. In the seventh round, the Saints have their own choice (222nd overall).
The Saints currently hold four selections in the 2009 NFL Draft:
| Round | Pick in Round | Overall |
| 1. | 14 | 14 |
| 2. | Choice to NYG | |
| 3. | Choice to NYJ | |
| 4. | 16 | 116 |
| 4. | 18 (from NYJ) | 118 |
| 5. | Choice to NYG | |
| 6. | Choice to GB | |
| 7. | 13 | 222 |
TRADE REVIEW: New Orleans sent its 2009 second-round draft pick (45th overall) and 2009 fifth-round choice (151st overall) in 2008 to the New York Giants in a trade on July 21, 2008, acquiring TE Jeremy Shockey. The Saints sent their 2008 third round draft pick (113th overall) and their 2009 third round choice (76th overall) in exchange for LB Jonathan Vilma and a 2009 fourth round choice (118th overall) on February 29, 2008. The Saints also traded their 2009 sixth round draft choice (187th overall) to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for their 2008 seventh-round pick (237th overall), with which they chose WR Adrian Arrington.
The Saints have made the most of their choices over the past three years, selecting quality players that now form the foundation of the roster.
2008
Round 1: DT Sedrick Ellis – Freshman standout did not disappoint as he was named to Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie team, making 42 tackles and tying for fourth among NFL rookies with four sacks, the second-best takedown total on team.
Round 2: CB Tracy Porter – Porter impressed, starting the season's first five games before being sidelined with a wrist injury, making 32 tackles, one sack and one interception.
Round 5a: DT DeMario Pressley – Expected to bid for playing time after missing 2008 with foot injury.
Round 5b: G Carl Nicks – Earned Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie honors after starting final 13 games at left guard for NFL's top ranked offense.
Round 7: WR Adrian Arrington – Big target expected to push for playing time after missing first season with toe injury.
2007
Round 1: WR Robert Meachem – Showed explosive abilities with 12 receptions for 289 yards with three TDs for a 24.8 yards per catch average.
Round 3a: CB Usama Young – Special teams stalwart had 19 stops on coverage units, while adding 27 tackles and two interceptions on defense in 2008. Expected to compete for extensive time in 2009.
Round 4b: T Jermon Bushrod – Has served as a key backup at tackle.
Round 7: LB Marvin Mitchell – Solid special teams player who picked up 15 coverage stops in 2008.
2006
Round 1: RB Reggie Bush – Has emerged as one of the NFL's most versatile and dynamic players, posting 3,647 all purpose yards - 1,550 rushing, 1,599 receiving and 498 on punt returns while scoring 24 TDs. Expected to return at full strength in 2009 after missing six games in 2008 with a knee injury. Despite missed time, finished second on club with 52 receptions and had three punt returns for a TD.
Round 2: S Roman Harper – Three-year starter at strong safety. Finished third on Saints with a career-high 106 tackles in 2008.
Round 4: G Jahri Evans – Has started every game at right guard over the last three seasons and should be a fixture up front for years.
Round 5: DE Lance Moore/Rob Ninkovich.aspx">Rob Ninkovich – Expected to compete for a place in defensive line rotation up front in 2009.
Round 7a: T Zach Strief – Has served as the club's chief reserve at tackle, filling in capably with three starts on the left side.
Round 7b: WR Marques Colston – Club's last selection in 2006, has come to the forefront as one of the NFL's elite wideouts. Has 215 career catches for 3,000 yards with 24 touchdowns. One of only three players since 1970 to record over 1,000 yards receiving in each of their first two seasons. Had a club-record 98 grabs for 1,202 yards and 11 TDs in 2007. Despite missing six games with thumb injury in 2008, finished second on club with five TD grabs.
ON THE ROSTER: Of the 69 players currently on the roster, 21 were draft picks of the club. There are ten former No. 1s, six by the Saints – DT Sedrick Ellis (2008), WR Robert Meachem (2007), RB Reggie Bush (2006), T Jammal Brown (2005), DE Will Smith (2004) and DE Mark Brunell/Charles Grant.aspx">Charles Grant (2002) – and four by other clubs: QB Anthony Hargrove/Joey Harrington.aspx">Joey Harrington (Det., 2002), LB Dan Morgan (Car., 2001), TE Jeremy Shockey (NYG, 2002) and LB Jonathan Vilma (NYJ, 2004).
FIRST ROUND: The Saints have had 41 first-round picks. The position-by-position-breakdown:
• Defensive Ends: Eight (Will Smith, 2004; Mark Brunell/Charles Grant.aspx">Charles Grant, 2002; Joe Johnson, 1994; Renaldo Turnbull, 1990; Wayne Martin, 1989; Shawn Knight, 1987; Joe Campbell, 1977; Kevin Hardy, 1968)
• Running Backs: Eight (Reggie Bush, 2006; Deuce McAllister, 2001; Ricky Williams, 1999, Vaughn Dunbar, 1992; Craig Heyward, 1988; George Rogers, 1981; Chuck Muncie, 1976; Leslie Kelley, 1967)
• Wide Receivers: Six (Robert Meachem, 2007; Donte' Stallworth, 2002; Lindsay Scott, 1982; Wes Chandler, 1978; Larry Burton, 1975; Ken Burrough, 1970)
• Guards: Four (Chris Naeole, 1997; Larry Schumach-er, 1975; Royce Smith, 1972; John Shinners, 1969)
• Tackles: Five (Jammal Brown, 2005; Kyle Turley, 1998; William Roaf, 1993; Jim Dombrowski; 1986; Stan Brock, 1980)
• Linebackers: Three (Mark Fields, 1995; Alvin Toles, 1985, Rick Middleton, 1974)
• Quarterbacks: Two (Dave Wilson, 1982, supplemental pick from 1981; Archie Manning, 1971)
• Defensive tackle: Two (Sedrick Ellis, 2008; Johnathan Sullivan, 2003)
• Cornerback: One (Alex Molden, 1996)
• Tight End: One (Irv Smith, 1993)
• Kicker/Punter: One (Russell Erxleben, 1979)
ALL-TIME: In 42 NFL Drafts, the Saints have picked 497 players from 161 colleges and universities.
By Position: 65 RB; 63 WR; 60 LB; 54 CB; 42 DE; 40 T; 39 G; 35 S;30 DT; 27 TE; 18 QB; 8 C; 8 FB; 5 P; and 4 k.
By School: 16: USC; 15: Nebraska, 11: Notre Dame, Ohio State; 10: Michigan, Tennessee; 9: Oklahoma; 8: Florida St., Georgia, LSU, Missouri & Tulane; 7: Florida, Mississippi & Wisconsin; 6: Alabama, Kansas, Pittsburgh, San Diego St., Washington St., West Virginia; 5: Arizona St., BYU, Colorado, Houston, Minnesota, Mississippi St., North Carolina, North Carolina St., Purdue, Southern, Texas, Tulsa, Virginia & Washington.
PLAYERS DRAFTED FROM AREA SCHOOLS
LSU: Tommy Morel, 1969; Steve Rogers, 1975; Hokie Gajan, 1981; Eric Martin, 1985; Dalton Hilliard, 1986; Michael Mayes, 1989; Nicky Savoie, 1997; Devery Henderson, 2004.
Mississippi: Dan Sartin, 1968; Glenn Cannon, 1970; Archie Manning, 1971; Wimpy Winther, 1971; Paul Dongieux, 1972; Tutan Reyes, 2000; Deuce McAllister; 2001.
Mississippi State: Marcus Rhoden, 1967; Patrick Swoopes, 1986; Fred Hadley, 1989; James Williams 1990; Herman Carroll, 1994.
Southern: Richard Neal, 1969; Willie Davenport 1970; James Elder, 1971; Nathan Besaint, 1978; Vincent Fizer, 1988.
Tulane: Bart Graves, 1971; Steve Barrios, 1972; Rusty Lachaussee, 1972; Tommy Thibodeaux, 1974; Mike Truax, 1974; Charles Hall, 1975; Marvin Lewis, 1982; Treg Songy, 1985.
Going back over the past decade, below is a look at the players who have been selected in the positions currently held by the Saints.
ROUND ONE
14: Over the last ten drafts, offensive tackles have been selected most frequently (three times), followed by defensive tackles (two) and tight ends (two)...Three players chosen from the 14th slot went on to be Pro Bowl selections...Shockey, currently with the Saints, has earned four trips to the Pro Bowl and has made 421 catches for 4,711 yards with 27 touchdowns in his seven-year NFL career...Haynes also spent part of the 2006 season with the Saints...Harris' 18 sacks since the 2006 season have led all NFL defensive tackles during that period and he has been selected to two Pro Bowls as the cornerstone of the Chicago defensive line...Franks has recorded 262 receptions for 2,347 yards with 32 touchdowns and been selected to the Pro Bowl three times in his nine-year NFL career...Eight of the last ten players selected with the 14th pick overall are still playing in the NFL.
2008: T Chris Williams, Vanderbilt to Chicago Bears
2007: CB Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh to New York Jets
2006: DT Brodrick Bunkley, Florida State to Philadelphia
2005: S Thomas Davis, Georgia to Carolina Panthers
2004: DT Tommie Harris, Oklahoma to Chicago Bears
2003: DE Michael Haynes, Penn State to Chicago Bears
2002: TE Jeremy Shockey, Miami (Fla.) to N.Y. Giants
2001: T Kenyatta Walker, Florida to Tampa Bay
2000: TE Bubba Franks, Miami (Fla.) to Green Bay
1999: T John Tait, Brigham Young to Kansas City Chiefs
ROUND FOUR
116: No school in the past ten years has produced more than one player picked with the 116th pick overall...Four linebackers have been chosen at this slot, followed by two wide receivers...Iwebema served as a key backup for the NFC Champion Cardinals in 2008...DeOssie was named to the 2008 Pro Bowl as a long snapper...Tulloch moved into the starting lineup in the middle with the Titans in 2008 and finished second on the team with 98 tackles, one sack and two fumble recoveries...Thorpe is currently with the Titans...Koutouvides is tied for tenth in the NFL in special teams tackles (73) since entering the league and signed with Tampa Bay this offseason...Scott has started 33 NFL games for Chicago and is currently with San Diego...Wynn played for the Buccaneers and the Ravens during his career...Makovicka started 35 of 58 games in four seasons for Arizona and rushed for 264 yards with five TDs as their starting fullback for three seasons...Six of the last ten players selected with the 116th choice overall are still playing.
2008: DE Kenny Iwebema, Iowa to Arizona Cardinals
2007: LB Zak DeOssie, Brown to New York Giants
2006: LB Stephen Tulloch, North Carolina St. to Tennessee
2005: WR Craphonso Thorpe, Florida State to Kansas City
2004: LB Niko Koutouvides, Purdue to Seattle Seahawks
2003: DT Ian Scott, Florida to Chicago Bears
2002: G Martin Bibla, Miami (Fla.) to Atlanta Falcons
2001: WR Milton Wynn, Washington State to St. Louis
2000: LB Marcus Bell, Arizona to Seattle Seahawks
1999: RB Joel Makovicka, Nebraska to Arizona Cardinals
118: The 118th pick has churned out several key contributors over the last decade...No school has produced more than one player over the course of the past ten drafts...Three wide receivers (Robinson, Lyman and McGarity) have been selected...Adibi moved into the starting lineup for the Texans at the midway point of the season and made 34 tackles and one fumble recovery...Robinson handled kickoff and punt return duties for the Panthers in 2007 before missing last year with a knee injury...Gostkowski has been one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL, finished 2008 with a league leading 148 points and was selected to his first Pro Bowl...Maddox played four NFL seasons, most recently being a part-time starter for the Texans from 2006-07...Johnson appeared in 80 games with 50 starts starts at fullback with Cincinnati from 2003-07, rushing for 141 yards and making 55 receptions...Carter has appeared in 135 games with 41 starts and has picked up two Super Bowl rings in the past four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a backup safety and special teams contributor...Carter had a career-high three interceptions in 2008...McGarity spent most of the 2001 season with New Orleans handling punt return duties.
2008: LB Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech to Houston Texans
2007: WR Ryne Robinson, Miami (Ohio) to Carolina
2006: K Stephen Gostkowski, Memphis to New England
2005: WR Chase Lyman, California to New Orleans Saints
2004: DT Anthony Maddox, Delta State to Jacksonville
2003: RB Jeremi Johnson, Western Kentucky to Cincinnati
2002: TE Chris Luzar, Tennessee to Jacksonville Jaguars
2001: LB Markus Steele, USC to Dallas Cowboys
2000: S Tyrone Carter, Minnesota to Minnesota Vikings
1999: WR Wane McGarity, Texas to Dallas Cowboys
ROUND SEVEN
222: Schouman converted to tight end and started 12 games for Buffalo in 2008, starting 12 and made 15 receptions for 153 yards and one TD ...Hamilton spent part of the 2008 season with the Redskins after playing for Cleveland as a rookie...Broughton spent the 2008 season on the Redskins practice squad after appearing in six games in 2005 and 2006...Pope appeared in 55 games with 14 starts for Miami from 2004-07, making 130 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 30 special teams stops...Brown has been one of the top kickers in the NFL since entering the NFL in 2003...His 683 points are fourth among kickers since 2003 and his 19 field goals from 50-yards or more during this period is ranked second among active NFL kickers...Newson saw his most extensive action as a member of the Miami Dolphins in 2003, where he had two receptions for 55 yards ...Appearing in 64 games with 24 starts, Norman saw his most extensive NFL action to date in 2008, when he started 14 games at center for the Jacksonville Jaguars ...Thomas appeared in 14 games for the Baltimore Ravens from 2002-03...Glover forged together a two-year career with the AFC Champion Titans in 1999, playing for the Colts in 2000.
2008: G Chester Adams, Georgia to Chicago Bears
2007: RB Derek Schouman, Boise State to Buffalo Bills
2006: S Justin Hamilton, Virginia Tech to Cleveland
2005: RB Nehemiah Broughton, Citadel to Washington
2004: LB Derrick Pope, Alabama to Miami Dolphins
2003: K Josh Brown, Nebraska to Seattle Seahawks
2002: WR Kendall Newson, Middle Tenn. St to Jacksonville
2001: T Dennis Norman, Princeton to Seattle Seahawks
2000: G Jason Thomas, Hampton to San Diego Chargers
2000: LB Phil Glover, Utah to Tennessee Titans
