The Best New Orleans Saints Draft Choices From FBS Schools: Clemson

Who is the best player the New Orleans Saints ever drafted from the Clemson Tigers?

From May 1 until the start of the 2016 NFL season on September 11, we’re going to list the best players that the Saints ever drafted from all 128 FBS schools, as of 2015.

Of course, there are a number of schools, including Air Force, Appalachian St., Arizona, Army, Baylor, Boise St., Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Florida, Central Michigan, and South Alabama, in which the Saints have never drafted a player.

Yesterday, we looked at the best player the Saints ever drafted from Cincinnati.

Today, we spotlight the best player the Saints ever drafted from Clemson.

When it comes to selecting the best player the Saints ever drafted from Clemson, the choice is limited to only two players, running back Cliff Austin (1983) and linebacker Stephone Anthony (2015).

Kind of surprising that the Saints have only drafted two players out of Clemson, and none have played more than one season with the franchise...yet.

Our pick is going to be Anthony, who has only played one season with the team, but hopefully many more.

A native of Polktpn, North Carolina, Anthony was selected by the Saints in the 1st round, with the 31st overall pick, of the 2015 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Anthony played in all 16 games as a rookie, all as a starter, compiling 70 tackles, and 42 assists, making him the first Saints rookie to eclipse 100 tackles since Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson accomplished the feat back in 1983.

A member of the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team, Anthony also totaled one sack, one interception, and one fumble recovery, which he returned for a touchdown.

In 2016, the Saints plan to play Anthony at outside linebacker.