New Orleans Saints Players as Game of Thrones Characters

3 of 6

Jun 14, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (99) during the first day of minicamp sessions at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Sheldon Rankins as Sandor Clegane aka The Hound

The Hound was born Sandor Clegane as the younger brother of Gregor Clegane, notoriously known as ‘The Mountain” for his enormous size. While The Hound may not be as large as his older brother, but he is a skilled warrior that is feared by nearly all knights in Westeros.

Early in the series, The Hound has the unenviable task of bodyguard for the young and obnoxious Prince Joffrey Baratheon. Throughout the Hound’s life, however, he has been more apt at fighting wars as opposed to playing royal bodyguard for a child. This ability would make Sandor Clegane the perfect defensive player anywhere along the line of scrimmage.

As a child the Hound was overlooked and often picked on by his larger brother. A particular moment that changed the Hound’s life occurred when he was very young child. His brother found him with a toy that had been discarded. Sandor had not asked for permission from his brother and needed to be punished. Gregor Clegane would put his brother’s head into fire, scarring the right side of his face permanently.

Sandor Clegane continues his life teetering on the fence of good and evil, holding allegiance to no one but himself.

Sheldon Rankins may very well be the epitome of the Hound. He is not the biggest player at his position but uses his strength and size to barrel through offensive lineman while harassing quarterbacks. He too was overlooked early in his life and had to battle early in college to become one of the best defensive lineman in college football.

By Rankins’ senior season he was feared by college offensive linemen in the Atlantic Coast Conference and was selected to the ACC all conference second team.

Rankins is faster than he appears for his size and can use that speed along with brute force to make plays along the line of scrimmage. When a player comes in contact with the 299-pound defensive tackle, it is sure to be felt for a long time.

The Hound-like size, speed and ability of Rankins made him a first round selection of the New Orleans Saints in the 2016 NFL draft. There is still much to prove for Rankins but he seems to use that as a badge of honor and is ready to begin the season as a defensive starter.

Next: The Girl has no name