Mel Kiper says the Saints have 3 of the top 5 rookies this year

quote:

---

1. Marshon Lattimore, CB, New Orleans Saints

Previously ranked: 4 | Final 2017 Big Board rank: 9 | Where he was drafted: 11

Lattimore has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and he's my pick to be Defensive Rookie of the Year. He has two interceptions (one for a touchdown), eight pass breakups, 36 tackles and a forced fumble, and he has been a huge part of the Saints' defensive improvement. New Orleans' 2017 draft class looks really solid. Lattimore is a ridiculous athlete. He ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and had a 38½-inch vertical and 11-foot broad jump at the combine. He also has a high ceiling. Remember: He started only one season at Ohio State.


2. Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Previously ranked: 1 | Final 2017 Big Board rank: 82 | Where he was drafted: 86

Hunt is in a touchdown slump -- he hasn't scored in six games. He's averaging just 3.7 yards per carry in those six games, and he has nine fewer receptions than Alvin Kamara over that span. Hunt is still averaging 5.2 yards per carry and has six total touchdowns on the season, and he ranks No. 2 in rushing with 800 yards. Plus, his eight rushes of 20 yards lead the league. But he and the Chiefs, who have lost three of four, have struggled lately, and Hunt needs to get going down the stretch if Kansas City wants to get a first-round bye in the playoffs.


3. Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints

Previously ranked: 16 | Final 2017 Big Board rank: 88 | Where he was drafted: 67

When the Saints traded running back Adrian Peterson to the Cardinals, Kamara's play was the reason most thought it was the right move. Since Peterson was dealt during New Orleans' bye week in Week 5, Kamara has four touchdowns while averaging 6.8 yards per carry, and his 560 yards from scrimmage ranks No. 3 in the league behind the Steelers' Le'Veon Bell and Saints teammate Mark Ingram. Kamara ranks No. 1 in percentage of first downs (41.9) during that span, too. Kamara was my eighth-ranked running back before the draft, as he split time in the Tennessee backfield and had only 210 carries from 2015-16. The Alabama transfer led all running backs with a 39½-inch vertical leap and 10-foot-11 broad jump at the combine.


4. Tre'Davious White, CB, Buffalo Bills

Previously ranked: 3 | Final 2017 Big Board rank: 32 | Where he was drafted: 27

Like Lattimore, White has had a fantastic season. White's 13 pass breakups are tied for the league lead. He also has an interception, forced fumble, 35 tackles and a fumble return for a touchdown. A four-year starter at LSU who had six career interceptions, White was one of the most consistent prospects I graded in the Class of 2017. He became Buffalo's No. 1 corner after Ronald Darby was traded to the Eagles.


5. Ryan Ramczyk, OT, New Orleans Saints

Previously ranked: 20 | Final 2017 Big Board rank: 29 | Where he was drafted: 32

This makes three Saints rookies in my top five. It's one of the best rookie classes in a long time. Ramczyk got my midseason offensive lineman of the year award. He hasn't missed a snap, starting at left tackle for a few games in place of Terron Armstead and now moving to the right side to replace injured Zach Strief. I thought he might be better as a right tackle in the NFL because of his run blocking, and Armstead, who is signed through 2021, is locked into the left tackle spot, barring injury.

---