The first selection for the New Orleans Saints in the 2022 NFL draft comes at No. 16 overall after their big-time trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Saints have never drafted from this slot before. Over the last 15 years, the 16th overall player taken has become a good contributor more often than not. There have been six Pro Bowlers taken at that spot in that time, with it looking to eventually be seven if A.J. Terrell continues to improve his level of play.
For those hoping to hear a quarterback’s name called here, there has not been a track record of success at the spot, with the only quarterback taken here in the last 15 years being E.J. Manuel in 2013. He only played 30 games for the Buffalo Bills and was out of the NFL altogether by 2018. Maybe the Saints do pick a passer who outperforms expectations, but that’s not inspiring much confidence.
Here are all of the last 15 players selected at No. 16 in the NFL draft:
