In 2017, behind the efforts of Executive Vice President Mickey Loomis and Assistant General Manager Jeff Ireland, the New Orleans Saints put together one of the best draft classes in franchise history and one of the most decorated rookie classes in NFL history.

In the first round, the Saints selected cornerback Marshon Lattimore (11th overall) and tackle Ryan Ramczyk (32nd overall). Lattimore went on to have a breakout rookie season with 53 tackles, ranked fifth in the league in interceptions (five), and sixth in pass deflections (18). Lattimore won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was a Pro Bowl selection. Over his career, he has tallied 375 total tackles (304 solo), five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 15 interceptions, and two touchdowns. Lattimore has been a staple in the secondary since he was drafted.

Ramczyk started every game his rookie season and was an instrumental member of the Saints offensive line. Over the course of his career, he has played in 101 games, all as a member of the Black and Gold. He was named to the All-Pro team for three consecutive years (2018-20).

New Orleans chose safety Marcus Williams in the second round (42nd overall) from Utah. Williams signed a multi-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 after several prominent seasons in the Saints defensive backfield.

The biggest steal of the draft came in the third round. Running back Alvin Kamara out of Tennessee was still on the board for the Saints' 67th pick. Kamara took the league by storm. In his first season, Kamara played 16 games and rushed for 728 yards on 120 carries for eight touchdowns. He added an additional 826 yards on 81 receptions and five touchdowns. Along with a Pro Bowl selection, Kamara was voted Offensive Rookie of the Year by The Associated Press. Over his career, Kamara has totaled 1,315 carries for 5,829 yards, and 54 touchdowns. In the receiving game, he added 4,219 yards and 23 touchdowns on 505 receptions.

Ireland received Inside the League's award for best draft in February 2018, after the majority of his draft picks made a splash in their rookie season.

Florida linebacker Alex Anzalone was selected with the 76th pick and had a solid four-year career with the Saints before signing with the Detroit Lions in 2021. He has started 47 games for the Lions

Florida Atlantic defensive end Trey Hendrickson was selected with the 103rd pick and had a solid four-year stay with the Saints, starting 18 games. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021 and has been a mainstay on their line.

Defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad was the final selection at pick No. 196. He played one season for the Saints before landing with Indianapolis for four years. He last played for the Chicago Bears in 2022.

Saints 2017 draft summary:

The Saints selected Lattimore with the 11th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. To complete the first round, New Orleans selected tackle Ramczyk (32nd overall). The 32nd pick was acquired from New England along with the 103rd pick in exchange for wide receiver Brandin Cooks and the 118th overall selection. The Black & Gold drafted Williams in the second round (42nd overall). In the third round, the Saints had three draft picks. The 67th overall selection that was acquired from San Francisco, was used to draft Kamara. Later in the third round, the Saints drafted linebacker Alex Anzalone (76th overall) and defensive end Trey Hendrickson (103rd overall). The fourth and fifth rounds included trades. The Saints' last pick in the 2017 NFL draft was defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad.

2017 New Orleans Saints Draft Picks:

2017 New Orleans Saints Draft Pick Trades: