New Orleans Saints Draft Choices: Archie Manning (1971)

The first round of the 2016 NFL Draft will be held on Thursday, April 28, in Chicago, Illinois.

Between now and then, we’ll be looking back at all of the drafts of the New Orleans, from 1967-2015.

Yesterday, we looked back at 1970.

Today: 1971

The 1971 draft was the fifth draft in the history of the Saints.

The pick: Archie Manning, a quarterback, out of Ole Miss.

Without question, 1971 was the best Saints' draft in their short 5-year history, at that standpoint.

Manning became the fifth-ever first round draft choice of the Saints, taken with the second overall pick in 1971, right behind Jim Plunkett, who was taken by the New England Patriots with the top pick.

Manning, who played for the Saints from 1971-1982, is one of the most popular players in franchise history.

After finishing his collegiate career at Ole Miss, where he was named the SEC Player of the Year in 1969, and later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame,

In 1972, Manning led the NFC in passing yards (2,781), while tossing 18 touchdown passes.

After missing the entire 1976 season due to injury, Manning recovered and had three-consecutive seasons from 1978-1980 where he threw for over 3,000 yards.

A native of Drew, Mississippi, Manning was named to the Pro Bowl in 1978 and 1979, and was also named the NFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1978, after throwing for 3,416 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Manning was traded to the Houston Oilers midway through the 1982 season, before finishing his 13-career with the Minnesota Vikings following the 1983 season.

Manning completed his career completing 2,011-of-3,642 passes for 23,911 yards and 125 touchdowns, while rushing for another 2,197 yards and 18 touchdowns.

In 11 seasons with the Saints, Manning threw for 2,734 and 115 touchdowns.

No, Manning never guided the Saints to a winning season, but he was one of the few bright spots in many dismal season in the 1970’s.

Named the NFL’s Man of the Year in 1977, Manning’s character, as well as his play, make him a Saints legend.

Manning's #8 is unofficially retired by the organization.

Other successful picks for the Saints in 1971 were tackle Don Morrison in the 4th round, receiver Bob Newland in the 7th round, running back Bob Gresham in the 8th round, and defensive end Bob Pollard in the 11th round, while longtime back-up quarterback Bobby Scott was selected in the 14th round.

Outside of Manning, Pollard was arguably the next best pick for the Saints in 1971, as he went on to start at either defensive end or defensive tackle over the next seven seasons.