Saints rookie wide receiver Michael Thomas and rookie kicker Will Lutz were both recognized as members of the PFWA (Pro Football Writers Association) All-Rookie 2016 team, the association announced today.

Thomas, a 2nd round pick out of Ohio State, set three franchise rookie records with 92 catches for 1,137 yards and 9 touchdowns.

If not for the incredible play of Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliot and quarterback Dak Prescott, Thomas would've been a likely choice for rookie of the year (Elliot took home the honor).

Lutz was a surprise day 1 kicker for New Orleans in 2016. Undrafted out of Georgia State, he signed with Baltimore who cut him at the end of preseason. The Saints brought him in for a workout. Coach Sean Payton was so impressed, he signed him on the spot to be the Saints only kicker.

He struggled through the first half of the season with the trajectory of his field goal and extra points, leading to several blocks. However, down the stretch he improved the height of his kicks, becoming a quality kicker.

For his rookie season, Lutz was 28 of 34 on field goals, with a long of 57 yards. His 28 field goals made is a Saints franchise rookie record.

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