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New Orleans Saints full 2016 NFL Draft picks

By Parker Hurley

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins of Louisville in action during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins of Louisville in action during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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We have the full list of who the New Orleans Saints selected in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Here is who General Manager Mickey Loomis selected:

  • Round 1, (12) Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
  • Round 2, (47) Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
  • Round 2, (61), Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
  • Round 4, (120), David Onyemata, DT, Manitoba
  • Round 7, (237), Daniel Lasco, RB, California

The Saints came into the draft knowing that they had to hit the defense hard, and that they needed a replacement for Marquese Colston. It seems as though the Saints hit all of their needs this year, and it should be looked at as a solid haul.

They stayed patient in the first two rounds, and were able to grab one of the best defensive prospects in the draft with the selection of Rankins. They then continued their  patience and saw the underrated, big body receiver in Michael Thomas fall to them in round two. Thomas did not have the production in college that warranted a first round pick, but he played on a run first team with poor quarterback play and should be looked at as a steal to pin his ability with Drew Brees in the second round.

They traded a good portion of the rest of their draft to add Vonn Bell, also from Ohio State. Jarius Byrd has a been a failed experiment since signing a 6-year/$54 million deal in 2014 and Bell would look to be his replacement for Byrd. In year one, Bell will at the very least see plenty of time in the nickel.

Feeling as though they hit with three starters in their first three picks the Saints went the developmental route late in the process grabbing a raw defensive end from Canada and a young running back who could help on special teams. At the end of the day this should be looked as a success for the Saints, and maybe they will be able to see Bell and Rankins claw their defensive out of the historically bad hole it was in last year.

For more NFL Draft news, be sure to check out our NFL Draft hub page.

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