The 2011 NFL Draft is officially in the books and I think it's safe to say this was one for the ages as far as the Saints are concerned.
We all know you can't really grade a draft the day after it ends and without ever seeing any of these players actually suit up on the field but everyone else is doing so why the hell should we be any different here at Da Chronic? And to answer your next question, yes, I would jump off the Brooklyn Bridge if everyone else was doing it.
Just to recap, here is the 2011 Saints draft class with individual grades voted by you guys:
Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Grade |
1 | 24th | Cameron Jordan | DE | California | A |
1 | 28th | Mark Ingram | RB | Alabama | A |
3 | 72nd | Martez Wilson | LB | Illinois | A |
3 | 88th | Johnny Patrick | CB | Louisville |
B |
7 | 226th | Greg Romeus | DE | Pittsburgh | A |
7 | 243rd | Nate Bussey | LB | Illinois | B |
I've got to tell you, I don't think I've ever been more excited about a Saints draft class and the upcoming season than I am about this one so I'm gonna go out on a limb and give this bad boy an A.
Herm Edwards agrees and thinks the Saints cleaned up this year but he's also the same guy who thought the Saints would be a good fit for Michael Vick when he returned to the NFL so take that for what it's worth. Dan Kadar over at Mocking the Draft also put the Saints on his list of 2011 NFL Draft winners:
The Saints may have given up a lot in order to get back into the first round to get running back Mark Ingram, but it was a smart move. He should make a big impact on their offense. Cameron Jordan could do the same thing with the defense. Martez Wilson is a good developmental linebacker with a high ceiling thanks to his athleticism. Johnny Patrick should start as a fine nickel cornerback.
So what initial grade are you giving the Saints 2011 draft class?