Best NFL draft class that never won a Super Bowl

Marshon Lattimore

• Round 1, Pick 11
• Defensive Rookie of the Year (2017)
• Multiple Pro Bowl selections
• 436 tackles, 98 passes defended
• 16 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles

Lattimore 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 Ramczyk

Ryan Ramczyk

• Round 1, Pick 32
• Multiple All-Pro selections
• 101 career starts
• Only 22 total penalties
• Anchor of elite offensive line units

Ramczyk 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 Williams

Marcus Williams

• Round 2, Pick 42
• 479 tackles, 56 passes defended
• 20 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles
• Multi-year starter in playoff defenses

Williams 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.

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Alvin Kamara

Alvin Kamara

• Round 3, Pick 67
• Offensive Rookie of the Year (2017)
• Multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections
• 7,250 rushing yards, 61 rushing TDs
• 606 receptions, 4,948 receiving yards, 25 receiving TDs

Kamara 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 Anzalone

Alex Anzalone

• Round 3, Pick 76
• 613 tackles, 36 passes defended
• 13 sacks, 4 interceptions
• Long-term starting linebacker

Anzalone brought versatility and intelligence to the linebacker position, contributing across multiple phases of the defense. When healthy, he provided steady tackling and strong coverage ability, particularly against tight ends and running backs. His leadership and communication helped organize defensive alignments in complex schemes. Though not always in the spotlight, his consistency added meaningful depth to an already strong draft class.

Trey Hendrickson

Trey Hendrickson

• Round 3, Pick 103
• 236 tackles, 81 sacks, 16 passes defended, 15 forced fumbles
• Established double-digit sack producer

Hendrickson’s development from rotational player to premier pass rusher highlights the Saints’ ability to cultivate talent. His relentless motor and refined technique allowed him to emerge as one of the league’s most productive edge defenders. After breaking out in New Orleans, he sustained that success and became a centerpiece of defensive fronts elsewhere. His trajectory exemplifies both upside and long-term value from this class.

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Al-Quadin Muhammad

Al-Quadin Muhammad

• Round 6, Pick 196
• 193 tackles, 26 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
• Reliable rotational defensive lineman

Muhammad provided valuable depth along the defensive line, carving out a role through physicality and effort. While he never reached star status, his ability to contribute in rotational packages added stability to the front seven. He consistently set the edge against the run and offered situational pass-rush value. For a sixth-round selection, his career represents strong return on investment within an already historic class.

Conclusion

Conclusion

The 2017 Saints draft class is proof that greatness isn’t always defined by championships alone. Its combination of star power, depth, and long-term production remains unmatched among non-title-winning groups. In the broader history of the NFL, it stands as one of the most complete and impactful draft hauls ever assembled.