New Orleans Saints: 7 Best Late-Round Draft Steals in Saint's History

Late picks in the NFL draft are often overlooked, but when used correctly, teams like the New Orleans Saints have found diamonds in the rough.

When the New Orleans Saints drafted Marques Colston in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft, they added an essential piece to their would-be 2009 Super Bowl winning team.

Drew Brees and Colston became one of the premier quarterback/wide receiver combinations in the league, and a lot of victories followed because of it.

So when it comes to drafting late, the Saints have had a history of drafting some special talents, and these are the best late round draft picks in Saints history.

Marques Colston

He was mentioned in the intro slide, and he is living proof that there are fabulous players in the later rounds of the draft

Since arriving in New Orleans, Marques Colston has accumulated 449 career receptions, 6,240 receiving yards and 48 touchdowns. Think he's been a favorite target for Drew Brees?

After trading away Donté Stallworth, Colston became one of the few seventh round picks to start Week 1 of the NFL season. Obviously things turned out great, and one of Colston's latest accomplishment was being listed as the No. 53 player on the list of Top 100 NFL players of 2011.

Danny Abramowicz

You have to go all the way back to the 1967 NFL draft to find this great steal in the 17th round when the Saints drafted Danny Abramowicz .

Abramowicz was a prolific receiver that was at the top of his game early in his career. He ranked in the Top 10 in receptions and receiving yards in 1968, 1969, and 1970.

He was voted as an All-Pro by the Sporting News and Associated Press in 1969 for his 73 receptions, 1,015 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns.

Jim Wilks

The Saints gave some love to the big guy at nose tackle in the 12th round of the 1981 draft, and he gave them a lot of production in return.

Jim Wilks played 17 seasons for the Saints at nose tackle and was awarded as an alternate in a Pro Bowl for his efforts.

Howard Lee "Hokie" Gajan

If you've ever listened to the Saints on the radio, then you know exactly who Howard Lee "Hokie" Gajan is.

Gajan is a color commentator for the Saints Radio Network, but before he was an announcer, he was selected in the tenth round as a running back in 1981.

With the Saints, Gajan rushed for 1,358 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also gaining 515 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Gajan is actually third all time in yards per carry in a season for a primary running back in the NFL history books.

Eric Martin

Eric Martin was a fan-favorite for the Saints.

Martin was selected in the seventh round of the 1985 draft, and he helped lead the Saints to their first playoff appearance in franchise history.

In 1988, Martin went to the Pro Bowl after catching 85 receptions for 1,083 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Martin holds the franchise record for most receptions and receiving yards.

Toi Cook

Toi Cook was an amazing athlete.

Not only did he play in the 1987 College World Series with Stanford, but he was an eighth round draft pick for the Saints.

Cook's best season came in 1992, where Cook had a career high 6 interceptions and one touchdown.

Carl Nicks

In 2008, the Saints set their sights on an offensive guard in the fifth round that would prove to be one of the best offensive linemen in the league.

Carl Nicks is considered to be one of the best guards in the league and was named as a Pro Bowl selection in 2010 and 2011.

His most notable achievement however was being named as a first team All-Pro selection in 2011.