Five New Orleans Saints who impressed us in 2015

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Dec 6, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tackle Terron Armstead (72) blocks Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Panthers defeated the Saints 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Terron Armstead

It only seems like yesterday that we were all finding out about Terron Armstead. Although 2013 feels like a long time ago, Armstead was something special before he was drafted. At the time, Armstead set a combine record for being the fastest offensive lineman to run the 40-yard dash at 4.71 seconds. The Saints were able to nab the Arkansas-Pine Bluff product, and eventually we’d see him in for relief action after Charles Brown’s game went to the pits. After a struggling start against the Carolina Panthers, Armstead has been absolutely solid.

Sean Payton said at the end of December that he wouldn’t trade Armstead for anything, but what ultimately lands him on this list is the simple fact that he played hurt a lot of the season and was still extremely effective. That’s something you just can’t replace.

“There’s not a left tackle I would trade him for in the league. I really like the way he’s progressed. He’s smart, he’s athletic. And last week if you watch the tape, you can see that he’s not 100 percent and he fights through it.”

Recently, Armstead was named as a Pro Bowl alternate, which was absolutely deserved. According to Pro Football Focus, Armstead graded out as the third highest tackle out of a total of 76. His +30.8 overall grade was right behind Cleveland’s Joe Thomas and Dallas’ Tyron Smith.

If the Saints were wise, they’d start looking at a long-term deal for Armstead, who is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the 2016 season.

Next: Stephone Anthony