New Orleans Saints: 5 best draft picks all-time

Outside of maybe the New England Patriots’ decision to draft quarterback Tom Brady in the sixth round, there isn’t a better bang-for-buck pick in recent NFL history than the Saints’ decision to draft wide receiver Marques Colston in the seventh round out of Hofstra University in 2006.

Though the Saints organization cut the ever-popular wideout this offseason, Colston remains the greatest wide receiver to have played in New Orleans. Colston owns nearly all franchise receiving record for the Saints including receptions (711), receiving yards (9,759), and receiving touchdowns (72).

Colston’s impressive rookie season in 2006 allowed the Saints to part ways with aging star receiver Joe Horn. Over time, Colston became the go-to wide receiving option for Brees during the Saints heyday in the Payton era.

Without Colston’s sure-handedness, who knows if the Saints would have been in position to win a Super Bowl. His contributions to the Saints franchise are simply undeniable. While he never made a Pro Bowl, Colston was one of the better wide receivers during his time with the Saints (2006-15).

While Colston seems like the type of player that could continue his NFL career elsewhere as he is only 32 years old, he may prefer to only play for one NFL team. Though he belongs in New Orleans, one has to feel for Colston as he is only 241 receiving yards from joining the elusive 10,000 receiving yards club.

When Colston does call it a career, he no doubt will make it to the Saints Hall of Fame. While he will probably come up short of Canton enshrinement based on relative greatness to his peers, Colston is the best draft pick the Saints made to date, as few seventh round selections have had both the success and longevity Colston had while with the Saints franchise.

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