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The truth about the Saints drafting LSU players throughout their 53 year history
Posted on 4/25/20 at 10:28 pm
Posted on 4/25/20 at 10:28 pm
Several threads and posts have been created about the Saints refusal to draft LSU Tigers over the years. Some posts have specifically stated that Sean Payton is anti LSU, while others have bashed the Saints in general. In fact, the Saints have drafted 11 kids from LSU.Of the 11, Sean has two, in 2010 & 2018.
With that said, here are the facts regarding LSU & the 11 Saint drafts choices.
YEAR......PLAYER/POSITION (ROUND/PICK)
1- 1967.....Earl Leggett/DT (Expansion Draft)
2- 1969.....Tommy Morel/WR (11/267)
3- 1975.....Steve Rogers/RB (7/163)
4- 1981.....Hokie Gajan/RB (10/249)
5- 1985.....Eric Martin/WR (7/179)
6- 1986.....Dalton Hilliard/RB (2/31)
7- 1989.....Mike Mayes/DB (4/106)
8- 1997.....Nicky Savoie/TE (6/165)
9- 2004.....Devery Henderson/WR (2/50)
10- 2010.....Al Woods/DT (4/123)
11- 2018.....Will Clapp/C (7/245)
My issue with all of this is not the quantity of picks, but the quality. Of the 11 picks from LSU, only Hilliard & Henderson were picked in the 2nd round. Everyone else was a 4th round pick or below. Five picks were from the 7th round or beyond. Surprisingly, there were zero 1st round picks by the Saints, which causes a lot of consternation with the LSU & Saints fans. (Eric Martin at pick 179 was an absolute steal). Besides the 3 mentioned above, most of the others had poor to average careers in NOLA. Hokie was probably the best of the rest.
Only 11 NFL Franchises have drafted more LSU Tigers than New Orleans (11) over time. Keep in mind that those franchises, with the exception of Atlanta (1966), go back decades beyond 1967 when the Saints started. An asterisk * denotes a pick in this years 2020 draft. Seattle & Cleveland both drafted 2 Tigers this weekend.
Cardinals - 24*
Eagles - 20
Giants - 19
Rams - 19
Bears - 18
Lions - 16 (Last was Slip Watkins in 1991)
49ers - 16
Falcons - 13
Browns - 12* (3 Tigers in last 2 years)
Packers - 12
Redskins - 12*
Saints - 11 (also Chiefs, Patriots, Seahawks* & Broncos*)
Note: Patrick Queen was the first player from LSU ever drafted by the Ravens.
So I guess the main point here is that the Saints have not picked hardly any highly rated Tigers over their draft history, but they have picked several in the later rounds. I would love to see more Tigers in Black & Gold in the Dome going forward.
Source LSU SportsNet
With that said, here are the facts regarding LSU & the 11 Saint drafts choices.
YEAR......PLAYER/POSITION (ROUND/PICK)
1- 1967.....Earl Leggett/DT (Expansion Draft)
2- 1969.....Tommy Morel/WR (11/267)
3- 1975.....Steve Rogers/RB (7/163)
4- 1981.....Hokie Gajan/RB (10/249)
5- 1985.....Eric Martin/WR (7/179)
6- 1986.....Dalton Hilliard/RB (2/31)
7- 1989.....Mike Mayes/DB (4/106)
8- 1997.....Nicky Savoie/TE (6/165)
9- 2004.....Devery Henderson/WR (2/50)
10- 2010.....Al Woods/DT (4/123)
11- 2018.....Will Clapp/C (7/245)
My issue with all of this is not the quantity of picks, but the quality. Of the 11 picks from LSU, only Hilliard & Henderson were picked in the 2nd round. Everyone else was a 4th round pick or below. Five picks were from the 7th round or beyond. Surprisingly, there were zero 1st round picks by the Saints, which causes a lot of consternation with the LSU & Saints fans. (Eric Martin at pick 179 was an absolute steal). Besides the 3 mentioned above, most of the others had poor to average careers in NOLA. Hokie was probably the best of the rest.
Only 11 NFL Franchises have drafted more LSU Tigers than New Orleans (11) over time. Keep in mind that those franchises, with the exception of Atlanta (1966), go back decades beyond 1967 when the Saints started. An asterisk * denotes a pick in this years 2020 draft. Seattle & Cleveland both drafted 2 Tigers this weekend.
Cardinals - 24*
Eagles - 20
Giants - 19
Rams - 19
Bears - 18
Lions - 16 (Last was Slip Watkins in 1991)
49ers - 16
Falcons - 13
Browns - 12* (3 Tigers in last 2 years)
Packers - 12
Redskins - 12*
Saints - 11 (also Chiefs, Patriots, Seahawks* & Broncos*)
Note: Patrick Queen was the first player from LSU ever drafted by the Ravens.
So I guess the main point here is that the Saints have not picked hardly any highly rated Tigers over their draft history, but they have picked several in the later rounds. I would love to see more Tigers in Black & Gold in the Dome going forward.
Source LSU SportsNet
21
Posted on 4/25/20 at 10:34 pm to DamnStrong
To kinda close the loop, it would be helpful to show how many LSU players they passed on at a position of need that went on to have success elsewhere.
Posted on 4/25/20 at 10:38 pm to AlwysATgr
Do the last 25 years because that's really all that's relevant to the current run of talent from LSU.
Posted on 4/25/20 at 10:53 pm to DamnStrong
Friend,
Since 2000, 126 LSU players have been drafted in the NFL. You're telling me that the Saints have drafted only three of those? The Saints have therefore taken one of every 42 LSU players in the last two decades. If there are 32 teams, that is less than what the average would be. However, if the Saints drafted just one additional LSU player during that time frame, it would be one player for ever 31.5, just below one in 32.
Yours,
TulaneLSU
Since 2000, 126 LSU players have been drafted in the NFL. You're telling me that the Saints have drafted only three of those? The Saints have therefore taken one of every 42 LSU players in the last two decades. If there are 32 teams, that is less than what the average would be. However, if the Saints drafted just one additional LSU player during that time frame, it would be one player for ever 31.5, just below one in 32.
Yours,
TulaneLSU
Posted on 4/25/20 at 10:59 pm to AlwysATgr
quote:
To kinda close the loop, it would be helpful to show how many LSU players they passed on at a position of need that went on to have success elsewhere.
Then to open the loop, find a NFL team that drafts local rather than just whoever they want to draft.
Posted on 4/25/20 at 11:01 pm to TulaneLSU
I'm not defending the Saints or Sean/Mickey at all. I was just listing some information due to several posts that were not totally accurate. Some said New England picks more LSU players, others said Sean has never picked a Tiger. Just pointing out the data.
I hate that we constantly pass up Tigers and they go on to play at a high level, for years. Especially when they play for Atlanta, Tampa or Carolina. As I stated in my OP, I would love to see former Tigers in Black & Gold. I love both teams.
I hate that we constantly pass up Tigers and they go on to play at a high level, for years. Especially when they play for Atlanta, Tampa or Carolina. As I stated in my OP, I would love to see former Tigers in Black & Gold. I love both teams.
Posted on 4/25/20 at 11:26 pm to saintsfan22
quote:
Then to open the loop, find a NFL team that drafts local rather than just whoever they want to draft.
I think you're missing the point. The Saints have a position of need. LSU has a capable player. The Saints pass. Said player goes on to have success elsewhere. How many times has that happened?
No need to play 'local.' I already sufficiently qualified the conditions.
FTR1, I could hardly care less about the Saints or the NFL.
FTR2, it's the Saints fans who presuppose Tiger fans should pull for the Saints over and against former Tiger players on other teams. Well, maybe there ought to be some reciprocating loyalty from the Saints and draft LSU players when they have a position of need and there's an LSU player available.
This post was edited on 4/25/20 at 11:39 pm
Posted on 4/25/20 at 11:32 pm to DamnStrong
Remember when Steve Spurrier decided to go to the NFL, and he took the Redskins job and proceeded to pretty much fill the roster with former Gator players?
How did that work out for him?
There's no bias whatsoever. You have to understand that pro-draft rooms operate at a level we civilians will never know. They've had scouts watching more college game film than you've probably seen in a decade.
How did that work out for him?
There's no bias whatsoever. You have to understand that pro-draft rooms operate at a level we civilians will never know. They've had scouts watching more college game film than you've probably seen in a decade.
Posted on 4/25/20 at 11:48 pm to DamnStrong
frick the saints. They have passed on highly touted players from LSU at positions of need numerous times. There's something going on there bc it doesn't make sense otherwise.
Posted on 4/25/20 at 11:51 pm to AlwysATgr
quote:
The Saints have a position of need. LSU has a capable player. The Saints pass. Said player goes on to have success elsewhere. How many times has that happened?
Infinite. It happens infinite times with the Saints and other schools' players too. They've drafted 17 USC guys in team history, most of any school, how many USC guys at a need position were on the board and not selected then gone on to have success? A lot or a little?
quote:
it's the Saints fans who presuppose Tiger fans should pull for the Saints over and against former Tiger players on other teams. Well, maybe there ought to be some reciprocating loyalty from the Saints and draft LSU players when they have a position of need and there's an LSU player available.
Aren't the other teams also passing on LSU players at positions of need? Also, why would the team adjust their draft strategy if their fans wanted other people to be fans?
This post was edited on 4/26/20 at 12:10 am
Posted on 4/25/20 at 11:55 pm to Giantkiller
Don't talk about them like they're doing quantum physics. NFL war rooms aren't filled with PhDs. They watch film and make semi-educated guesses. Sometimes they irrationally fall in or out of love with players or programs. They're also very, very prone to groupthink. One year it's tall receivers. Another year they all decide they need offensive linemen. They'd rather miss out on a diamond in the rough than draft a bust. So they lock in on measurables to the detriment of intangibles which they can't quantify. A kid may be a hell of a baller but he's too stiff in the ankles, whatever the hell that means, so he falls to the 4th round
Posted on 4/26/20 at 12:29 am to DamnStrong
I agree with this post! Historically, the Saints, which “should” know drafting a highly ranked LSU player would boost in-state interest and possible season tickets, have NOT done so.
Posted on 4/26/20 at 12:30 am to AlwysATgr
I will bet it’s numerous times.
Posted on 4/26/20 at 12:48 am to GreyBear
The Leo Collins story was a perfect example. You would think the Saints could call Baton Rouge and gotten the real story.
Don’t forget how they helped Alabama in National Championship game.
Don’t forget how they helped Alabama in National Championship game.
Posted on 4/26/20 at 1:11 am to DamnStrong
Many posters on the Saints Talk board also need to get off of LSU fans’ arse when they want the Saints to pick LSU players. It might be annoying, but it’s not lunacy for LSU fans to want the Saints to draft LSU players.
Yes, LSU fans are biased toward LSU players. Shocker. Stop overreacting to it.
The only stat that really matters is who the Payton regime has drafted since 2006. They’ve drafted two LSU players. That’s really not a lot. There have been 5 picks from Wisconsin and 5 picks from Ohio State, for comparison. They’ve drafted as many players from Wake Forest and Illinois as LSU. Payton’s crew has also drafted only 3 players from Alabama and 1 from Clemson, as well.
Considering the amount of talent LSU, Alabama, and Clemson put out, it’s curious that’s all that’s been drafted among them.
There’s no conspiracy to exclude players from those three teams. It’s just unusual. It’s okay to point that out.
Yes, LSU fans are biased toward LSU players. Shocker. Stop overreacting to it.
The only stat that really matters is who the Payton regime has drafted since 2006. They’ve drafted two LSU players. That’s really not a lot. There have been 5 picks from Wisconsin and 5 picks from Ohio State, for comparison. They’ve drafted as many players from Wake Forest and Illinois as LSU. Payton’s crew has also drafted only 3 players from Alabama and 1 from Clemson, as well.
Considering the amount of talent LSU, Alabama, and Clemson put out, it’s curious that’s all that’s been drafted among them.
There’s no conspiracy to exclude players from those three teams. It’s just unusual. It’s okay to point that out.
Posted on 4/26/20 at 6:09 am to AlwysATgr
quote:
I could hardly care less about the Saints or the NFL.
Same. I'm a college football fan. I'd rather watch some Mountain West game on a Thursday night than an NFL game.
quote:
it's the Saints fans who presuppose Tiger fans should pull for the Saints over and against former Tiger players on other teams.
If watching an NFL game, I will pull for the team with more LSU players. Don't care what team that is.
When I was growing up, Saints games were blacked out on TV if the game wasn't sold out. So I don't feel a strong connection to the team. I like when the Saints win because it is good for New Orleans. Drew Brees has been great for the city of New Orleans, and for that, I am thankful.
Posted on 4/26/20 at 6:37 am to DamnStrong
quote:
Note: Patrick Queen was the first player from LSU ever drafted by the Ravens
That's lazy journalism by whomever put this together for LSU. The ravens of today were the Brown pre 1996. And they definitely drafted LSU players pre 1996.
Posted on 4/26/20 at 6:41 am to DamnStrong
2 points
1. They’re a shitty franchise that didn’t have a winning season for decades. How many picks did they have as compared to the other teams? With that they gave a shite load away at times - think Mike Ditka.
2. The ownership changed and they were winning during the same time LSU had arguably pumped out the third most players of any school at 126 picks WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR MANY MORE and Collins a first round pick going in drafted. Thanks to BRPolice and Miles not running an offense. Otherwise they blow the doors off of Bama and OSU.
My point is, this owner and HC live and made a shite load of money off this city and state AND could have made more drafting highly talented players from their state school. It’s about asses in the seats. That’s it. It’s been 10 years and Payton hasn’t produced another champion despite having arguably the best QB of all time. Send him packing.
1. They’re a shitty franchise that didn’t have a winning season for decades. How many picks did they have as compared to the other teams? With that they gave a shite load away at times - think Mike Ditka.
2. The ownership changed and they were winning during the same time LSU had arguably pumped out the third most players of any school at 126 picks WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR MANY MORE and Collins a first round pick going in drafted. Thanks to BRPolice and Miles not running an offense. Otherwise they blow the doors off of Bama and OSU.
My point is, this owner and HC live and made a shite load of money off this city and state AND could have made more drafting highly talented players from their state school. It’s about asses in the seats. That’s it. It’s been 10 years and Payton hasn’t produced another champion despite having arguably the best QB of all time. Send him packing.
This post was edited on 4/26/20 at 6:48 am
Posted on 4/26/20 at 6:50 am to Jester
quote:
Do the last 25 years because that's really all that's relevant to the current run of talent from LSU.
You misspelled "Do the last 15ish years because before that the Stains were not relevant"...
Posted on 4/26/20 at 7:12 am to DamnStrong
Cool. The saint drafted 2 lsu players since he has been here, if he hated lsu, that number would be zero
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