The Five Saints Most Deserving Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

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CANTON, OH - AUGUST 7: Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees and family members, (L-R) Dr. Steven Towns, grandson of enshrinee Fritz Pollardm, Steve Young of the San Francisco 49ers, Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins and David Friedman, nephew of enshrinee

Jim Finks is the only representation that the New Orleans Saints have in Canton, Ohio, but that's not to say there aren't others who are deserving of the honor but have been overlooked or are not yet eligible.

Here are the top 5 Saints deserving to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Sorry, no Archie.

Number 5: Pat Swilling

17 Nov 1991: Linebacker Pat Swilling of the New Orleans Saints moves down the field during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers won the game, 24-21.

A pass rush specialist, Swilling amassed 107.5 sacks and 468 tackles in his 12 year journeyman career. His efforts gained him 5 probowl appearances and two firtst-team all pros. 4 of those 5 appearances came with the New Orleans Saints.

Number 4: Rickey Jackson

3 NOV 1991: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS LINEBACKER RICKEY JACKSON #57 TRIES TO AVOID THE BLOCK OF LOS ANGELES RAMS OFFENSIVE LINEMAN JACKIE SLATER #78 DURING THE SAINTS 24-17 WIN AT ANAHEIM STADIUM IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA.

Over the span of 14 seasons, Rickey Jackson amassed 1,173 tackles and 136 sacks. He is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and accumulated over 10 sacks in six different seasons.

Jim Mora is quoted as having said: "If I was ever in a situation where I had to defend myself, and I could pick one guy that I've ever coached, it would be Rickey Jackson."

Number 3: Morten Andersen

10 Dec 1989: Kicker Morten Andersen of the New Orleans Saints (left) kicks the ball held by quarterback John Fourcade during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Saints won the game 22-19.

A 7 time pro bowl selection including 3 first team all pros, Morten Andersen is one of the greatest placekickers to have ever played football.

He is the NFL all time leading scorer with 2544 points, 110 higher than the next on the list (Gary Anderson). He also holds records in career attempts (709), career field goals made (565), and most field goals beyond 50 yards (40).

Number 2: Willie Roaf

10 Sep 2000: William Roaf #77 of the New Orleans Saints blocks Michael Mohring #98 of the San Diego Chargers during the game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Saints defeated the Chargers 28-27.Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport

An 11-time Pro Bowl selection, Willie Roaf was elected to the 1990s All-Decade Team and is the most decorated player in Saints history.

He will be enshrined the moment he is eligible, count on it.

Number 1: Sam Mills

NEW ORLEANS - 1990: Linebacker Sam Mills #51 of the New Orleans Saints runs downfield during a 1990 NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at The Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 27-6. (Photo by Jim Gund/Getty Images)

Deemed too small for football, Sam Mills spent his entire career proving great things come in small packages. He embodies every bit of what the Hall of Fame claims to base their decisions on: Hall of Famer on and off the field and revolutionizing the position.

It would be hard to make a case for another player that fits those two pieces as well as Mills. In 12 NFL seasons, he recorded 1,319 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, and four touchdowns as a middle linebacker that stood at just 5'9".

Jim Finks said it best: "He has extraordinary strength and drive, and extraordinary humanity."

You're a Hall of Famer in my book, Sam. Rest in peace. The world is much less without you in it.

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