re: Who’s the worst draft choice in Saints history?

quote:

---

quote:

---

The answer is Russell Erxleben

---

Anyone who does not answer this does not know what they are talking about.

First round punter. Again, punter in the first round.

Punter.

11th overall selection.

---

Yeah, this is the answer, and it's so bad there really will never be a challenger.

For people who list Sullivan, or Knight, or guys like Molden or Jean-Baptiste: at least there was a thought process going on. Hey, we need a big defensive tackle or a cornerback. Those are at least positions that merit a pick that high (certainly 2nd rd picks).

A kicker or punter doesn't. Probably 99% of those guys are undrafted free agents, who sorta cherry-pick franchises that might need one; and franchises tend to have 2-3 on their call list to come back next camp. They are necessary but generic- you expect any kicker can make most kicks 50 yds and in, any punter to get about 40-45 per punt. It's now to the point that you groom guys with stronger legs, take the kicker who COULD make a 55 yd kick over the guy you KNOW will make everything inside 40 yds.

And what's even worse, the Saints even whiffed on this move. The one possible benefit of Erxleben was that he could kick and punt, thus saving you a roster spot; but he couldn't.

Just for giggles, I looked up the 1979 draft. Charles Alexander (RB LSU) went 12th, next pick. Kellen Winslow, Hall of Fame TE, went 13th.
Fun fact- the 49ers drafted Joe Montana in the 3rd, and Dwight Clark in the 10th rd that year.