The 2006 NFL draft has to go down as one of the greatest in franchise history for the New Orleans Saints. First-round selection Reggie Bush was a key member of both the 2006 NFC championship game team and the squad that won the Super Bowl following the 2009 season. Safety Roman Harper, a second-round pick, was a key starter for eight seasons, Jahri Evans has become one of the most dominant interior linemen in the NFL and right tackle Zach Strief has started in 61 of the 125 regular season games he has played.

Marques Colston, the team's second seventh-round selection (252nd pick), is the greatest receiver in franchise history. He has caught 68 of Drew Brees' 396 career touchdown passes, making them the fifth-most prolific quarterback-receiver combination in NFL history. Rob Ninkovich, the team's fifth-round pick, didn't stay with the Saints but has emerged as defensive force with the New England Patriots.

Held April 29-30, 2006

1.            Reggie Bush, rb (2)          Southern California

2a.          (#34), choice traded to Cleveland for C Jeff Faine

                and the Browns' second-round pick (#43)

2b.          Roman Harper, s (43)     Alabama

3.            (#66) (choice traded to Houston in 4/23/05 trade

                with Texans to move up from 18th to 13th

                and select T Jammal Brown)

4a.          (#99) (choice traded to Philadelphia for Eagles'

                fourth-round pick (#108) and DT Hollis Thomas)

4b.          Jahri Evans, g (108)          Bloomsburg

5.            Rob Ninkovich, de (135)               Purdue

6a.          Mike Hass, wr (171)        Oregon State

6b.          Josh Lay, cb (174)              Pittsburgh

                (choice acquired from Green Bay in 2005 trade for

                CB Mike McKenzie)

7a.          Zach Strief, t (210)           Northwestern

7b.          Marques Colston, wr (252)          Hofstra

                (Compensatory Selection)