Grading the Saints' 2016 Draft Class

It’s been 10 long years since the New Orleans Saints brought in their 2016 NFL Draft class, making it the perfect time to look back and grade each selection. Overall, it’s been a great group that’s been overshadowed by their all-time 2017 class. Despite this, 2016 should still get its flowers for shaping the team for the foreseeable future.

It’s important to note that these grades are subjective and should be taken with a grain of salt. This is just my opinion, and everyone is entitled to different thoughts. Having said that, it’s time to get into grading the Saints’ 2016 draft class.

1:12- Sheldon Rankins

Sheldon Rankins has quietly put together an outstanding NFL career with 33.5 sacks, 49 tackles for loss, and 281 tackles. He spent five seasons in New Orleans and was a key reason for the Saints’ defensive success from 2016 to 2021. He left the Big Easy after his rookie contract and has bounced around various teams, but is currently headlining the Houston Texans’ interior defensive line. He never could establish himself as a star, but that shouldn’t take away from this pick.

Grade: B

2:47- Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas was the greatest receiver in the Saints’ history during his prime. His career was highlighted by a historic 2019 campaign where he tallied 1,795 yards and broke the single-season receptions record with 156. Sadly, his career was cut short because of injuries and off-the-field problems, causing him to not play since 2023. Still, the former Offensive Player of the Year was an exceptional pick for the Saints.

Grade: A+

2:61- Vonn Bell

Vonn Bell was a reliable safety for the Saints’ defense for four seasons and played a major part in their success from 2016 to 2019. After that, he left for the Cincinnati Bengals and Carolina Panthers, playing five more successful seasons in the NFL. Now, he’s working under Deion Sanders as the safeties coach at the University of Colorado. Despite his limited career in New Orleans, he was an impactful player and a successful pick.

Grade: B

4:120- David Onyemata

David Onyemata hasn’t had a flashy career, but he’s been an excellent contributor at defensive tackle. The six-foot-four, 300-pound veteran played seven seasons with the Saints and tallied 23 total sacks. He’s spent the last three years in Atlanta and just signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets. Onyemata’s production has been eerily similar to that of first-round pick Sheldon Rankins, which is why he’s graded slightly higher, as he was selected in the fourth round.

Grade: B+

7:237- Daniel Lasco

Daniel Lasco simply couldn’t find a place in the NFL. He has 11 career rushes for 32 yards and hasn’t seen the field since 2017, when he didn’t have any attempts. It wasn’t an impactful pick, but that shouldn’t be expected from a seventh-round pick.

Grade: D+