The 2016 draft yielded five players to the Saints squad. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, who suffered a torn achilles during the 2018 divisional round playoff game, had his best year yet with the Saints, recording career-high numbers in sacks (eight) and tackles (40). Michael Thomas put together the best season a receiver has ever had for the Saints in 2018. The 6-foot-3 receiver set a franchise record for most receiving yards in a single season and most receptions. He became the first Saint to reach 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first three NFL seasons. Thomas also set an NFL record for most receptions in the first three seasons of a career with 321.
Safety Vonn Bell and defensive tackle David Onyemata established themselves as key members on defense, racking up the tackles and contributing in all 16 regular-season games in 2018.
Held April 28, 2016 -April 30, 2016
- Sheldon Rankins, DT (#12) Louisville
- a. Michael Thomas, WR (#47) Ohio State
b. Vonn Bell, S (#61) Ohio State (Choice acquired from New England in exchange for #78 and #112) - (#78) Traded to New England
- a. (#112) Traded to New England
b. David Onyemata, DT (#120) Manitoba (Choice acquired from Washington in exchange for #152 and a 5th-round pick in 2017) - (#152) Traded to Washington
- (#187) Traded to Washington
- Daniel Lasco, RB (#237) California
