New Orleans Saints 2011 Draft Recap

New Orleans Saints selections:

1st round (24): Cameron Jordan DE, California

1st round (28): Mark Ingram RB, Alabama

3rd round (72): Martez Wilson OLB, Illinois

3rd round (88): Johnny Patrick CB, Louisville

7th round (226): Greg Romeus DE, Pittsburgh                  

7th Round (243): Nate Buseey LB, Illinois

Impact Rookie: Mark Ingram RB, Alabama

-The Saints probably made one of the smartest decisions in the draft when they traded up for Mark Ingram. The Saints needed a true power type back who shows good vision, can carry a heavy workload and is good in the Red Zone. Ingram saw his stock fall late into the 1st because of a knee surgery he had at the end of last year. When he stays healthy though he can be a great running back who is a perfect fit for the Saints. The Saints gave up their 2012 1st for him but it is likely that will be alter in the 1st then it was this year.

Pick for the Future: Greg Romeus DE, Pittsburgh
-Romeus has huge concerns with always being on the injury report, with back and knee injuries throughout his junior and senior year. The Saints will probably have him red shirt to make sure all the knee and back issues are a thing of the past or can be contained, but once he gets on the field he will be a force. He was given a first round grade before his senior season but saw his stock fall to the 7th with the red flags. If he can stay healthy this will be another 7th round steal for the Saints.

Questionable non selection: NOT taking an OL
-There was not a single pick by the Saints that I could look at as a reach, or a bad decision. But I do wonder if they could have done more to improve their OL. It was a relatively weak draft class, but the issue still should have been addressed

Draft Grade: B+
-The Saints made HUGE moves by trading up for Mark Ingram and taking Cameron Jordan in the 1st round. Jordan is probably one of the best DE's in this class because of his balanced skill set. He can start right away for the Saints and really help by taking some pressure off Will Smith, and also helping out the Saints LB core. Ingram was as great pick who gives the Saints exactly what they needed, a workhorse back who is good in tough yard situations and shows good vision as a ball carrier. Martez Wilson could turn into a very nice LB for that defense, and I had him as a 2nd round LB. Meanwhile Greg Romeus is a first round talent and they got him in Round 7. The Saints get a very nice B+ in my draft grade