When you think about the Saints picking 24th in this year’s upcoming draft, you figure the Saints won’t get an elite player, but you’re hopeful they get a solid contributor that can start inside 3 years. Given the recent history of the 24th pick, though, maybe the Saints can hit a homerun with it. Check out how the 24th pick shakes out every year back to 1990:
2010 – The Dallas Cowboys selected Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State. Bryant had a very productive and promising rookie season, scoring 8 touchdowns.
2009 – The Atlanta Falcons selected Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss. Hasn’t accomplished much of anything so far in 2 seasons, but he did register 2 sacks last year as a sub.
2008 – The Tennessee Titans selected Chris Johnson, HB, East Carolina. I’d say that one turned out ridiculously well. He’s the most explosive back in football, ran for over 2,000 yards in 2009 and has made the Pro Bowl in all three seasons.
2007 – The New England Patriots selected Brandon Meriweather, DB, Miami. An extremely solid starter the last three seasons that’s compiled 12 interceptions in that span. He’s also been a 2 time Pro Bowl selection.
2006 – The Cincinnati Bengals selected Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina. Solid starter since his rookie year, and he’s amassed 14 interceptions in his career.
2005 – The Green Bay Packers selected Aaron Rodgers, QB, California. Um, yeah, even better than Chris Johnson. The guy just won the Super Bowl and was elected as the Super Bowl MVP. He’s also a one time Pro Bowl selection.
2004 – The St. Louis Rams selected Steven Jackson, RB, Oregon State. Another superstar in the league. Has run for 1,000 yards or more in 6 out of 7 seasons. He’s made the Pro Bowl 3 times.
2003 – The Indianapolis Colts selected Dallas Clark, TE, Iowa. He’s only made the Pro Bowl once in his career, surprisingly, but he’s one of the best receiving tight ends in the league every single year.
2002 – The Baltimore Ravens selected Ed Reed, FS, Miami. One of the best playmakers in NFL history. Currently has 54 interceptions in his career and 9 career touchdowns. A 7 time Pro Bowler.
2001 – The Denver Broncos selected Willie Middlebrooks, CB, Minnesota. Never amounted to much in 5 seasons as a Pro, but still plays in the Canadian Football League.
others:
2000 – 49ers, Ahmed Plummer, CB, Ohio St.
1999 – 49ers, Reggie McGrew, DT, Florida
1998 – Giants, Shaun Williams, DB, Syracuse
1997 – Steelers, Chad Scott, CB, Maryland
1996 – Bills, Eric Moulds, WR, Mississippi St.
1995 – Vikings, Korey Stringer, T, Ohio St. (RIP)
1994 – Giants, Thomas Lewis, WR, Indiana
1993 – Eagles, Leonard Renfro, DT, Colorado
1992 – Cowboys, Robert Jones, MLB, East Carolina
1991 – Raiders, Todd Marinovich, QB, USC
1990 – Giants, Rodney Hampton, HB, Georgia
The list from 1990 to 2000 is actually pretty horrible with the exception of Chad Scott and Eric Moulds. Todd Marinovich is widely known as one of the worst 1st round picks in NFL history. The picks at 24 from 2002 to 2010 are incredibly successful, though. I’d rate at least 5 of the 9 picks as “superstar” players, and only one can be label as a bust to this point, though Peria Jerry has a lot of career left. Based on how the picks have gone in recent years I think there’s a lot of reason for optimism.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
