Fansided

Every NFL team’s greatest draft class

By Russell S. Baxter

PITTSBURGH, PA. - DECEMBER 30, 1978: (L to R) Wide receivers John Stallworth #82 and Lynn Swann #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate Pittsburgh's victory after the AFC Divisional Playoff game on December 30, 1978 against the Denver Broncos at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by: Bill Amatucci Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA. - DECEMBER 30, 1978: (L to R) Wide receivers John Stallworth #82 and Lynn Swann #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate Pittsburgh's victory after the AFC Divisional Playoff game on December 30, 1978 against the Denver Broncos at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by: Bill Amatucci Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 20: Marques Colston #12 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 20, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 20: Marques Colston #12 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 20, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints: 2006

Notable Selections

1: RB Reggie Bush

2: S Roman Harper

4: T Jahri Evans

5: LB Rob Ninkovich

7: G Zach Strief

7b: WR Marques Colston

Best Pick: WR Marques Colston

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

The hiring of head coach Sean Payton, the signing of quarterback Drew Brees and an impressive draft paved the way for an eventual Super Bowl title in 2009. Reggie Bush’s play-making ability on offense and special teams was vital. Two-time Pro Bowler Roman Harper totaled only 10 takeaways with the club but came up with 15 forced fumbles and 17 sacks.

Offensive linemen Zach Strief and Jahri Evans were reliable stalwarts up front, the latter a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro. Marques Colston was the 252nd overall pick and is the Saints’ all-time leader in catches (711), receiving yards (9,759) and total TDs (72).

New York Giants: 1983

Notable Selections

1: FS Terry Kinard

2: DE Leonard Marshall

3: TE Jamie Williams

3b: T Karl Nelson

7: CB Perry Williams

8: LB Andy Headen

9: PK Ali Haji-Sheikh

12c: RB John Tuggle

Best Pick: DE Leonard Marshall

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

Big Blue had a new head coach in 1983 in Bill Parcells. But it was Hall of Fame general manager George Young that shopped for the groceries those days. And the team came up with quite a Hall and numerous pieces for a team that made five playoff appearances from 1984-90. Safety Terry Kinard had 33 takeaways during his days with the club and was a Pro Bowler in 1988.

Hard-hitting defensive end Leonard Marshall racked up 79.5 sacks in 10 seasons with the Giants and added seven more in the playoffs. And running back John Tuggle was the last player taken in the 1983 draft (335th overall) but he was far from irrelevant.

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