Joel Smeenge was drafted No. 71 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1990 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. 156 regular-season games · 3 seasons as a starter · 30 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #71
- Round
- 3
- Draft class
- 1990
- NFL games
- 156
- Years as starter
- 3
- Career AV
- 307th at Western Michigan
The pick
How Joel Smeenge came off the board in 1990.
- Position
- Defensive end DE
- Side of the ball
- Defense
NFL career
156 regular-season games · 3 seasons as a starter · 30 career approximate value
- Games played
- 156
- Seasons as a starter
- 3
- Career approximate value
- 307th among Western Michigan picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 517% of career value
- Final season
- 200010 years after the draft
Around pick 71
Who came off the board on either side of Joel Smeenge.
Arizona
Maryland · 1× Pro Bowl
Miami
Tennessee State
Other DE picks from Western Michigan
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Joel Smeenge in the 1990 NFL Draft
Joel Smeenge is a Defensive end out of Western Michigan selected No. 71 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1990 NFL Draft. 156 regular-season games · 3 seasons as a starter · 30 career approximate value Western Michigan has produced 30 NFL draft picks since 1982.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Joel Smeenge drafted?
Joel Smeenge was selected No. 71 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1990 NFL Draft (Rd 3). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1990/joel-smeenge.
What college did Joel Smeenge play for?
Joel Smeenge played college football at Western Michigan in the MAC. See every Western Michigan draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/western-michigan-broncos.
How did Joel Smeenge's NFL career turn out?
156 regular-season games · 3 seasons as a starter · 30 career approximate value Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1990/joel-smeenge.