The 2006 New Orleans Saints Draft Class: A Legacy of Excellence
As the New Orleans Saints prepare to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2006 draft class, the impact of those selections continues to resonate throughout the franchise. This group of players not only helped transform a struggling team but also laid the foundation for sustained success, including a Super Bowl victory and multiple playoff appearances.
Key Players and Their Contributions
The 2006 Saints draft class featured several standout players who became cornerstones of the team’s success:
- Reggie Bush (Round 1, Pick 2): The dynamic running back from Southern California started 41 of 60 games over five seasons, providing explosive playmaking ability.
- Roman Harper (Round 2, Pick 43): The safety started 108 of 124 games over nine seasons, becoming a defensive leader and consistent performer.
- Jahri Evans (Round 4, Pick 108): The right guard started all 169 games he played in over 11 seasons, earning recognition as a two-time Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist and the second-most decorated offensive lineman in franchise history.
- Zach Strief (Round 7, Pick 210): The right tackle started 94 of 158 games over 12 seasons, providing valuable depth and experience along the offensive line.
- Marques Colston (Round 7, Pick 252): The wide receiver started 106 of 146 games over 10 seasons, establishing franchise records for receptions (711), receiving yards (9,759) and receiving touchdowns (72).
Team Impact and Historical Significance
The 2006 draft class played a pivotal role in the Saints’ transformation from a struggling franchise to a perennial contender. According to team historical data, this group helped the Saints achieve:
- Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010
- Two NFC Championship Game appearances (winning one)
- Three NFC South Division titles
- Five 10-win seasons
- Thirteen wins in both 2009 and 2011 (tied for the most single-season wins in franchise history)
Former Saints head coach Sean Payton highlighted the enduring legacy of this draft class during the 2019 Saints Hall of Fame induction, noting that the team was honoring its members “one by one,” beginning with the first and last picks of the class—Reggie Bush and Marques Colston.
Enduring Legacy
As the 20th anniversary approaches, the 2006 Saints draft class stands as one of the most productive in franchise history. The combination of immediate impact players and long-term contributors created a foundation that enabled the Saints to compete at the highest level for over a decade. The durability and consistency of players like Jahri Evans and Marques Colston exemplify how strategic drafting can build lasting success in the NFL.
The continued recognition of this draft class underscores the importance of building through the draft and how a single draft class can alter the trajectory of an entire franchise.