New Orleans Saints: Ranking the top five first round picks in team history

Archie Manning (1971-1984)

As a New Orleans Saints fan, when you hear the name Archie Manning, you instantly get hyped. The father of NFL greats Peyton and Eli Manning is a franchise legend among the city and organization of the New Orleans Saints.

He played 11 years with the franchise — almost his whole career.

Archie Manning was drafted No. 2 overall in the 1971 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.

This was an investment that would return more the fourfold what it cost. In the 11 years with the Saints, Manning three for over 21,500 yards and 115 touchdowns. Manning is second only to Drew Brees in the history of Saints quarterbacks.

Archie was selected to two consecutive Pro-Bowls in 1978 and 1979. Archie Manning was inducted into the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame and is also in the Mississippi and Louisiana Hall of Fames.

He was the first player in New Orleans Saints history induct3ed into the Louisiana Superdome Wall of Fame.

One of the most post-NFL notable things about Archie Manning is that he raised future Hall of Fame quarterbacks Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts/Denver Broncos) and Eli Manning (New York Giants).

His legacy continues to live on, not only in the city of New Orleans but also through his sons.