In the NFL, draft classes are often judged by championships, but that standard can obscure just how dominant a group of players truly was. As identified by Sports Illustrated, the 2017 class of the New Orleans Saints stands as a rare exception—an assembly of talent so complete and impactful that its legacy transcends the absence of a Super Bowl title. From day one, this class didn’t just contribute; it reshaped the identity of the franchise.
It infused the roster with elite playmakers, high-IQ defenders, and foundational pieces on both sides of the ball.What makes this class particularly remarkable is its breadth of success. Players like Marshon Lattimore and Alvin Kamara became immediate stars, earning Rookie of the Year honors and establishing themselves among the league’s elite at their respective positions. Meanwhile, cornerstone contributors such as Ryan Ramczyk and Marcus Williams provided stability and high-level production year after year.
Even mid- and late-round selections developed into quality starters and impact players, reflecting exceptional scouting and player development.RELATED: Top undrafted players in NFL historyDespite consistent playoff appearances and legitimate championship windows, postseason misfortune—rather than roster deficiencies—kept this group from reaching the sport’s ultimate stage. Still, when evaluated through the lens of sustained excellence, positional value, and total output, this draft class belongs in the conversation with the greatest in NFL history. It is a case study in how elite drafting can build a contender, even if the final piece—a Super Bowl victory—remains just out of reach.Marshon LattimoreNew Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) gestures to the crowd in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Saints won, 45-35. Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY SportsRound 1, Pick 11Defensive Rookie of the Year (2017)Multiple Pro Bowl selections436 tackles, 98 passes defended16 interceptions, 5 forced fumblesLattimore entered the league as an immediate difference-maker, elevating a struggling Saints secondary into a legitimate strength. His fluid coverage skills and ability to shadow top receivers made him one of the NFL’s premier shutdown corners.
He routinely delivered in high-leverage moments, often neutralizing elite wideouts in divisional matchups. Even without a Super Bowl appearance to cap it, his individual impact helped define New Orleans’ defensive resurgence.Ryan RamczykNew Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY SportsRound 1, Pick 32Multiple All-Pro selections101 career startsOnly 22 total penaltiesAnchor of elite offensive line unitsRamczyk quietly became one of the most dependable offensive tackles of his generation, excelling in both pass protection and run blocking.
His technical precision and discipline allowed the Saints’ offense to operate at peak efficiency during Drew Brees’ final years. Rarely penalized and even more rarely beaten cleanly, he set the standard for consistency at right tackle. His value, while less visible, was foundational to the team’s sustained success.Marcus WilliamsNew Orleans Saints free safety Marcus Williams (43) works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium.
Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsRound 2, Pick 42479 tackles, 56 passes defended20 interceptions, 3 forced fumblesMulti-year starter in playoff defensesWilliams developed into one of the league’s most instinctive free safeties, excelling in deep coverage and ball tracking. His ability to read quarterbacks and generate turnovers made him a constant presence in the secondary. While one missed play became a defining narrative, it obscures a career marked by reliability and production.
Over time, he proved integral to a defense that consistently ranked among the league’s better units.RELATED: NFL draft steals that reshaped teamsAlvin KamaraNew Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) looks on during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesRound 3, Pick 67Offensive Rookie of the Year (2017)Multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections7,250 rushing yards, 61 rushing TDs606 receptions, 4,948 receiving yards, 25 receiving TDsKamara redefined versatility at the running back position, functioning as both a dynamic rusher and an elite receiving weapon.
His balance, vision, and open-field creativity made him one of the most difficult players to tackle in the league. As the Saints transitioned offensively, he remained the centerpiece, consistently producing at a high level. Despite the absence of a championship, his individual excellence places him among the most impactful players of his era.Alex AnzaloneNew Orleans Saints middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (47) reacts in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY SportsRound 3, Pick 76613 tackles, 36 pas