Roster ratings

Can the 2017 New Orleans Saints go 20-0?

We rated every player on the 2017 New Orleans Saintsagainst their own era and built their best 12-man roster. Here's how strong this squad really was — and whether it could chase a perfect 20-0.

85.6Roster rating /100
#26All-time rank of 861
Strong — a real playoff rosterOur verdict
▶ Play the Saints yourself

The best 12 — our all-time picks from this squad

One player per slot, chosen by our era-relative rating. This is the lineup that sets the projection above.

Offense

QBDrew Brees86
RBAlvin Kamara99
WRMichael Thomas93
TECoby Fleener75
RBMark Ingram82
WRTed Ginn78

Defense

EDGECameron Jordan ★AP99
DTSheldon Rankins76
LBCraig Robertson83
CBMarshon Lattimore90
SMarcus Williams83
SKenny Vaccaro81

How we rate it

Every rating is era-relative: a player is graded against their own era's peers at the same position, with impact plays counting most and an All-Pro boost. The roster rating is the position-weighted strength of the best 12 — premium spots (QB, edge, corner) count for more, and a single weak link drags the average down. Only a near-flawless roster projects to run the table. Full method →

Other rated Saints seasons

An independent fan project. Player ratings are our own derivation from public statistics. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any professional sports league, team, or player.