With the NFL Draft just over two weeks away, below are notes regarding New Orleans Saints draft history, first round pick history, positional draft records records and a listing of draft choices from regional colleges
ON THE ROSTER: Of the 76 players currently on the roster, 24 were draft picks of the club. There are seven former No. 1s, six by the Saints – CB Patrick Robinson (2010), S Malcolm Jenkins, DT Sedrick Ellis (2008), WR Robert Meachem (2007), RB Reggie Bush (2006), and DE Will Smith (2004) – and one by another club: LB Jonathan Vilma (NYJ, 2004).
FIRST ROUND: The Saints have had 43 first-round picks. The position-by-position-breakdown:
• Defensive Ends: Eight (Will Smith, 2004; 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 Schumacher, 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: Three (Patrick Robinson, 2010; Malcolm Jenkins, 2009; Alex Molden, 1996)
• Tight End: One (Irv Smith, 1993)
• Kicker/Punter: One (Russell Erxleben, 1979)
ALL-TIME: In 44 NFL Drafts, the Saints have picked 507 players from 161 colleges and universities.
By Position: 65 RB; 63 WR; 61 LB; 56 CB; 42 DE; 41 T; 39 G; 36 S;31 DT; 28 TE; 19 QB; 9 C; 8 FB; 6 P; and 4 k.
By School: 17: USC; 15: Nebraska, 11: Notre Dame, Ohio State; 11: Michigan, Tennessee; 9: Oklahoma, Florida State, LSU; 8: Georgia, Missouri & Tulane; 7: Florida, Mississippi & Wisconsin; 6: Alabama, Kansas, Oregon State, Pittsburgh, San Diego State, Washington State, West Virginia; 5: Arizona St., BYU, Colorado, Houston, Miami (Fla.), Minnesota, Mississippi St., North Carolina, North Carolina State, Purdue, Southern, Texas, Tulsa, Virginia, Wake Forest & Washington.
PLAYERS DRAFTED FROM AREA SCHOOLS
Louisiana State: Tommy Morel, 1969; Steve Rogers, 1975; Hokie Gajan, 1981; Eric Martin, 1985; Dalton Hilliard, 1986; Michael Mayes, 1989; Nicky Savoie, 1997; Devery Henderson, 2004; Al Woods, 2010.
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.
