Few declared the New Orleans Saints clear-cut victors of the annual rookie haul this year, after the last name was called in the 2017 NFL Draft, the free agent class had been secured and the late pickups had been added.
But, possibly, everyone is calling them undisputed champs today, because it would strain credulity to name a better rookie class than the one the Saints fielded this season.
Likely, some will present a blue-in-the-face opposing case and, just maybe, a contrarian will interject just for the satisfaction of pot-stirring. But when New Orleans (11-5) steps onto the field Sunday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome against Carolina (11-5) to play its first playoff game since 2013, and as the NFC South Division champions for the first time since 2011, it will do so in large part due to the contributions of a group that has comprised its own honor society.