Saints draft history at pick No. 14: History says New Orleans’ fans should be excited

After a 9-8 season, the New Orleans Saints currently posses the 14th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s a spot where New Orleans will be able to draft an elite prospect to address one of the team’s top needs. It’s also a spot that the Saints have drafted at before.

In the history of the franchise, New Orleans has drafted 14th-overall three times. Based on the last three selections, fans should be excited about who the Saints will land at No. 14 this year. Let’s take a look at the three previous 14th-overall picks in franchise history.

3. DE Marcus Davenport, 14th pick in the 2018 Draft

The last time the Saints drafted with the 14th-overall pick was in 2018, when New Orleans selected defensive end Marcus Davenport. Davenport didn’t become a franchise staple in New Orleans, but he did have a productive stint with the team to start his career. He played five seasons with the Saints, starting 32 of the 67 games he played in. In those games, he recorded 21.5 sacks, 142 tackles, 25 for a loss, and seven forced fumbles.

In 2023, he joined the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, and now he’s with the Detroit Lions.

2. DB Malcolm Jenkins, 14th pick in the 2009 Draft

Malcolm Jenkins is the most acclaimed name on the list, having the kind of career that all draft picks hope to have. Selected in the 2009 Draft, he spent his first five seasons thriving in the secondary for the Saints. In 2014, as a free agent, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and thrived with them for six seasons. However, he returned to New Orleans for the final two seasons of his career.

In his 13 years, he started 191 games, playing in 199 total. He made three Pro Bowls, was selected to an All-Pro team, and won two Super Bowls.

1. DE Renaldo Turnbull, 14th pick in the 1990 Draft

Renaldo Turnbull was the first 14th-overall pick in franchise history, being selected in the 1990 NFL Draft. He spent seven years with the team, playing the last season of his career with the Carolina Panthers. In New Orleans, he lined up at defensive end and linebacker for 120 games, recording 229 yards tackles and 44.5 sacks. His best season was in 1993 when he was named First-Team All-Pro and selected to the Pro Bowl.

All three picks at No. 14 have been on the defensive side of the ball. That trend is not expected to continue, with many draft analysts predicting that the Saints will select an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2024 Draft. Whoever they ultimately select, let’s hope they deliver like the previous 14th-overall picks.

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