2011 NFL Draft Results: Most Valuable New Orleans Saints Draft Pick
by Dave Cariello on May 2, 2011 6:00 AM CDT
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PrintThe Saints 2011 NFL Draft class has been set and by now I'm sure every fan has got their favorite of the bunch for one reason or another. We've already graded the draft class as a whole but the next question is naturally: which of the Saints six 2011 draft picks is the best? Obviously, it's not fair to compare a first round draft pick with a seventh round pick straight up. What I'm asking about today is value.
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | 24th | Cameron Jordan | DE | California |
| 1 | 28th | Mark Ingram | RB | Alabama |
| 3 | 72nd | Martez Wilson | LB | Illinois |
| 3 | 88th | Johnny Patrick | CB | Louisville |
| 7 | 226th | Greg Romeus | DE | Pittsburgh |
| 7 | 243rd | Nate Bussey | LB | Illinois |
This year the Saints "stole" a couple of players expected to be taken much higher than they were. In particular I'm referring to Cameron Jordan, Martez Wilson and Greg Romeus. Given their draft position, these picks by the Saints could prove to be valuable if their careers play out the way everyone expects. Meanwhile, Mark Ingram really needs to come through big time in the NFL to justify the Saints trading back into the first round - not to mention fan expectations - to be considered the most valuable of this draft class. Or Nate Bussey, the Saints final pick of this years draft, could go the route of Marques Colston and wind up becoming a superstar, which could certainly make him the most valuable player taken this year.
Of course nobody knows what will happen but it sure is fun to speculate. So I'm asking what you guys think. When it's all said and done and these players have moved onto their second careers in life, who will we look back on as the jewel of the Saints 2011 NFL Draft class?
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If Romeus is 100% healthy and focused...
He’ll be the steal of the entire 2011 Draft!
It's an ankle bracelet, not a halo....
Completely agree.
I loved Romeus when he was healthy. Saints just might have hit the jackpot.
If were speaking strictly...
on value, how could Martez Wilson or Greg Romeus not be the selection? Both at one point in the recent past were considered 1st to 2nd round talents.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qais_eGMnWk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39GH-nzrY_I&feature=relatde
Yeah, this.
Canal Street Chronicles-A place of great Saints news and information. Oh and the stuff I write!
Thoughts:
1. While I’m not sold on Cameron Jordan as the end all, cure all for our pass rushing woes, he’s a productive player who will undoubtedly make an impact, particularly against the run, over the next couple of seasons. That said, barring injury to another player, I don’t see him becoming a regular starter until sometime in the latter half of the season.
2. I’m ecstatic that we were able to land Mark Ingram. Mike Bell handled 36.8% of the Saints’ workload in 2009. I’m predicting in excess of that for Ingram, despite the strong possibility of a four-way time share. As long as we’re running the ball somewhere in the neighborhood of 45-55% of the time (not a given) and he doesn’t miss more than a game or two due to injuries, this should pay huge dividends in our overall success.
3. In hindsight, I would have been fine with either a Jordan/Leshoure or Ingram/Houston combo with the 24th and 56th picks. No matter how you slice it, we gave away a Top 64 pick in the trade up. That’s too much to give up for anyone, imo. I personally would have drafted Ingram, then waited to see how it played out.
By this time next off-season, I can pretty much guarantee you that the veritable difference between Jordan’s production as a Saint and Houston’s production as a Chief, isn’t going to have anyone writing Mickey Loomis a thank you letter for giving up our 2012 first round pick. Barring a stellar season by Jahvid Best, the same could probably be said of the difference between Ingram as a Saint and Leshoure as a Lion. The maneuvering was ballsy to the Nth degree. It was also quite rash and — outside of landing those two specific players — completely unnecessary.
4. Assuming there’s a 2011 season, Martez Wilson will be an opening day starter. In all likelihood, the only one from this draft. This assertion has far more to do with the pathetic state of the Saints’ LB corps, than it does with my love for Martez. but hey, you have to start somewhere, right?
5. Johnny Patrick should spell the end of Randall Gay’s illustrious career as a Saints’ dime back. I don’t see this as much more than a cost cutting move, at least during Patrick’s rookie season. I would have gone K.J. Wright or Joe Barksdale here. At least in Wright, you’d be getting another default starter at OLB. Patrick probably won’t see the light of day, outside of four WR sets and special teams.
6. Greg Romeus is certainly worth a 7th round roll of the dice. I don’t see him making the final roster, though. I’ll give him one year on the practice squad, followed by a burial at sea. Chase Lyman would be envious. Bussey has a better chance of sticking. That’s about 50/50.
7. I guaranteed Jake Locker wouldn’t make it out of the Top 10. Check. I also guaranteed Bowers wouldn’t fall out of the 1st round. Uncheck. And that Leshoure wouldn’t make it back to us at 56. Technically a check, albeit a hollow one.
8. Tampa Bay had the best draft of any team in the NFC South. Quite possibly the best overall.
9. Atlanta gave up far too much for a complementary WR, though I do think he’ll greatly contribute to their offensive balance.
10. I’m still worried about our exterior OL, our LB corps as a whole and our return game, in that order. I did notice that quite a few highly ranked KR specialists went undrafted. Whenever we get around to signing UDFAs, we should look into scooping one of these guys up. I think a veteran OLB like Tamba Hali would be just what the doctor ordered, if and when free agency ever rolls around. No problem with Bushrod, Strief and Goodwin all coming back, but an upgrade at OT should at least be considered. Doug Free or Tyson Clabo would provide just that.
11. I also wouldn’t mind a backup QB with a few NFL starts under his belt, someone aside from Roman Harper to compete for the starting spot at SS and a legitimate blocking FB.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
In hindsight, I would have been fine with either a Jordan/Leshoure or Ingram/Houston combo
No. Smoking dope at the Combine is very bad manners.
with the 24th and 56th picks. No matter how you slice it, we gave away a Top 64 pick in the trade up. That’s too much to give up for anyone, imo.You know how much I respect your o. And FriarBob’s and Xen-Cut’s. But the value of the trade can’t truly be determined until Ingram plays. A year or two, maybe three. What if he Antonio Pittmans? What if he Jim Browns? What if he Deuces? Any of those and other possibilities will effect the perceived value of the trade as it stands today.
"Good, and good riddance. But it’s hard to see how it changes anything important."-Krugman
You know how much I respect your o. And FriarBob’s and Xen-Cut’s. But the value of the trade can’t truly be determined until Ingram plays. A year or two, maybe three. What if he Antonio Pittmans? What if he Jim Browns? What if he Deuces? Any of those and other possibilities will effect the perceived value of the trade as it stands today.
Antonio Pittman, Jim Brown and Deuce McAllister were all acquired standing pat. Unless you’re talking about a (surrendered) round that has little chance of making the team, I don’t think ANY player is worth a second draft pick. But even if I DIDN’T feel that strongly about trading up, it would be about more than just what Ingram does. It would also be about what Leshoure does (since we could have had him at 56), what the player(s) who are ultimately selected at or shortly after where we would have picked in the first round next year do/does, what the player(s) the Patriots gained do/does, etc. You’re right, it’s too early to say how hard the Saints got screwed. If Leshoure, Houston and every player available in that 1st round range next year bomb while Ingram becomes the NFL equivalent to colored sprinkles, then yes, the pangs of sodomy won’t be quite as intolerable.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Houston won’t be making an impact serving a substance violation suspension.
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on May 2, 2011 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I think the NFLPA would have something to say about that, since it occurred prior to him signing a contract.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Forget the combine test. I’m betting he screws up again.
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on May 3, 2011 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
The maneuvering was ballsy to the Nth degree. It was also quite rash and — outside of landing those two specific players — completely unnecessary.
I’ve got an itch. Come pick my nits.
"Good, and good riddance. But it’s hard to see how it changes anything important."-Krugman
You’re right. I need to start thinking of our 2011 second round pick as “the bust I never had the displeasure of knowing”. That should be enough of a positive spin to make it all seem okay.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Works for me!
I couldnt stand that 2nd rd pick anyway! Who needs them!
What in the HELL just happened!?
Tampa Bay had the best draft of any team in the NFC South. Quite possibly the best overall. It was also quite rash
Fixed it for you. Do you know what bone on bone means?
"Good, and good riddance. But it’s hard to see how it changes anything important."-Krugman
I’ll take a 2nd round roll of the dice over a 2nd round no pick any day.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Im glad Bowers went before 56.
That in itself would have pissed me off. But PayLoo would have probably passed on him again. Im not going to wish injury on this man so Im just going to hope he just sucks!
What in the HELL just happened!?
2nd round no pick
That’s next year. Win now.
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on May 2, 2011 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
oops.
Misspoke. 2nd round no pick was this year, but the point is we needed an elite RB. A cowbell. A complete back. A back who can run inside, run outside, catch, block and hold on to the ball. Not some complimentary back, situational back or back with question marks — why draft one of those chumps at all? Those chumps can be found as undrafted free agents. We’ve milked all we can get out of those kind of chumps with mixed results for the past four years.
Ingram was graded highest in the draft, he was the only truly complete back and there was no guarantee any of the other RBs the Saints graded high would be available at 56 anyway. Hindsight says there might have been, but had the NE trade not occurred, we don’t really know. Chances were that Payloo figured they probably would have to trade up from 56 to get the 2nd or third rated back on their board anyway, so why not get the guy they want? They had a trade partner. They had the balls to do it. Done. Win now.
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on May 2, 2011 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions
I’m still worried about our exterior OL,
Don’t worry, Shanle’s going to start.
"Good, and good riddance. But it’s hard to see how it changes anything important."-Krugman
Will you ever be happy?
Canal Street Chronicles-A place of great Saints news and information. Oh and the stuff I write!
He did cause I agreed with him.
But this one I could live with if you think of it as just a 2nd rd pick given up. As long as our pick next year is 28 or higher I wont lose any sleep.
What in the HELL just happened!?
It would have to be a God awful draft before I’d ever condone giving up a 2nd round pick for anyone. The only way that would apply to this particular situation, is if Ingram had gone to the Dolphins and there were strong indications that Leshoure wouldn’t be there at 24. Even then, I’d be hesitant to give up a 2nd to move up and get him. And you know how much I coveted either one of those RBs. The simple truth being that two impact players are better than one, in just about every imaginable scenario. Now, if you don’t have confidence in your ability to draft two impact players, then that’s a different story.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
I understand what you saying.
But what if they didnt like Leshoure at all and would have passed on him in the second. Wouldnt that have pissed you off more. The Saints obviously dont always feel how we feel about draft picks. Case in point Mason Fosters name came up at several times as the second tier LB backer target but the Saints passed on him for Wilson who I like better as well even more than Ayers. The only way this draft could have worked out better for me is if Ingram went first(which would have pissed ME off at the time cause I wanted defense first) and Bowers would have slid allittle more to 56. That would have been a dream come true. Which could have turned into a nightmare if Stujo4 had anything to say about it. BONE ON BONE! LOL
What in the HELL just happened!?
But what if they didnt like Leshoure at all and would have passed on him in the second. Wouldnt that have pissed you off more.
Not if they had taken Ingram at 24, which is the simple solution I suggested. If they had drafted Jordan AND passed on Leshoure at 56? Yes, I’d be much more p*** ed off. Of course, we’d still have a quality 2nd round pick to show for it + a first rounder next year, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world. Still, I wouldn’t like our chances of advancing in the playoffs this season without a legit RB. It’s basically just different degrees of self-inflicted harm we’re talking about here. Given my druthers, I’d choose none. If chosing between a little and a lot, I’ll go with a little. I was hoping for a “WOOT!” scenario. You’re not making me feel any better about this “GAAH!!” scenario, by bringing up (even more detrimental) “GAAAAAAAH!!” scenarios.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
“If chosing between a little and a lot, I’ll go with a little.”
That’s the scenario we’re in… we gave up a little – a second round pick – to be certain to get the best RB in the draft… and we got that RB a year early.
We did not lose a first round pick next year. We used it this year to get the best RB in the draft.
"It's more than a handful. It's a handsful."
As far as a grade goes, I’ll give it a B-. It could have easily been a B+, without the maneuvering.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Good to see you
and you’re overly pessimistic view of the Saints back CP. Hope New York was fun
Mark Ingram-OROY
Cam Jordan-DROY
New Orleans Saints-2012 Super Bowl Champs
It was what it was....
For our team, it was a great draft. We could’ve did this and that but when the smoke settled, the Saints came out shinning. Tampa & Detroit did great but so did we. Based on our team personnel and our needs, as long as we addressed those needs is ALL that mattered. Training camp will tell for sure if or any team or any team really struck gold. We didn’t give up the farm for 1 player like atlanta did and if Jones get hurt in camp. then they’re the dumbest team in the league. We just gotta hope the coaches school the rookies on making an impact but not trying too hard and making mistakes or getting injured so they CAN make an impact. I’m not looking over the fence to see what the other teams are doing. I just care about the Saints and from where I stand, we’re looking pretty damn good.
I think it was a fairly good draft. Aside from Reggie, if Thomas, Ivory, or Ingram can stay healthy, anyone of the three, we will be ok in the run game. As far as linebacker, I don’t think Shanle will be there this year. As DE goes, I still say Galette will be a starter. But I can really see Ingram being a big help in the backfield. And honestly, I don’t think Reggie is going anywhere.
“Galette will be a starter”
Stujo…you know where to put this clown…
Security in this office park is a joke. Last year, I came to work with my spud gun in a duffel bag. I sat at my desk all day, with a rifle that shoots potatoes at 60 pounds per square inch. Can you imagine if I was deranged?
by GRlZZ on May 2, 2011 11:34 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
First of all, Grizz, I’m not a clown. I am entitled to an opinion just like you. And who are you, the expert? I think you’ll have to fight pizza on that one. Pizza, all I’m saying is if we have one running back that stays healthy, only one to where they are all not injured at the same time and we have to start looking for more like last year, we will be ok in the backfield. Is that too hard for you to vision?
CP glad to see you back in your usually form.
No one pushed for Leshoure more than me ,but only because I just knew Ingram would be gone. Loved the trade up for Ingram, and don’t feel we gave up much at all. Jordan was the BPA at DE and was ecstatic that we were able to pull off the trade for Ingram. O’course I/we knew you would find fault in the draft, and that’s why we love you man. LMAO
INGRAMANIA equals LOMBARDI 2012
PS the Lions are going to be dangerous this year.
INGRAMANIA equals LOMBARDI 2012
by cajuncommando58 on May 2, 2011 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
yah cajun,
he’s so expeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeert isn’t he. I love him. I just wish I could have a cool name like cold pizza and go back spending hours like he does looking at stats to be the expert he is today. Now that would just make the rest of my life. I want to be like cold pizza when I grow up. I will be very proud of myself going against exactly what my parents didn’t want me to be like.
Lifes rough.
Tommy, I just spent an entire week in NYC. Have you ever considered living in a subway terminal? You seem to have the required conversation patterns down to a science. All you really need is styrofoam cup to store your teeth in. And a walking stick. I might be able to help with those.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Whoa
Now thats cold, pizza.
"My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol before, after and if need be during all meals and in the intervals between them."-Winston Churchill
You two need to knock this off.
Now kiss and make up.
Canal Street Chronicles-A place of great Saints news and information. Oh and the stuff I write!
and was ecstatic that we were able to pull off the trade for Ingram
I loved the end result. Ecstatic? Convince me that the 56th pick + next year’s first rounder (combined) wouldn’t have netted better overall production than Cameron Jordan (alone) and I’ll gladly apply that adjective. Jordan’s my point of contention, not Ingram. Going into either draft, I seriously doubt anyone would have been ok with spending TWO top 64 picks (minimum compensation) on a defensive lineman. Hell, I don’t even think DeMarcus Ware is worth that.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
No Pizza.
You cant drop all this on Jordan cause you wanted Ingram. Jordan was picked fair and square at 24 you may not have liked it but that’s what happened. The Saints traded 2 picks for Ingram so he is the one who has to make up for two picks. But I will make a deal with you and say Jordan and Ingram both have to be 1.5 players! Would that make you happy? If both make the pro bowl at least once in their career I will be satisfied that we got good value. Cause if you take 3 picks and 2 turn out to be Pro Bowlers and 1 doesn’t make it wouldn’t you consider that a success.So lets wait an see.
What in the HELL just happened!?
Pre-Reply
And yes I think three pro bowlers is better than two. But my point is the draft is a crap shoot, so all you can do is take who you REALLY WANT AND CAN GET, not just the person who plays the same position as the person you wanted. And if it doesnt pan out you cant say you didnt get who you really wanted.
What in the HELL just happened!?
If they were so hellbent on a Jordan/Ingram combo, then why didn’t they trade up to 17 and take Jordan there? Don’t you think 17/24 would have been more of a “sure thing” than 24/28? They weren’t hellbent on those players. That’s just the way it played out. Had jordan got snapped up, we probably would have taken Clayborn. Had New England told us to bugger off all together and selected Ingram, we probably would have wound up trading up in the second to draft Leshoure prematurely, unbeknowst to anyone. That wouldn’t be as big of a deal, being that we’d still have next year’s first rounder. Johnny Patrick? I’d be fine without that pick. That’s not to say I wouldn’t be b**** ing about giving up a 3rd rounder, just that I’m not high using it on a dime corner. In hindsight, there’s you’re expendable trade up ammunition without delving into 2012. That being under the guise that DE was a first round priority. I don’t even think that to be the case.
so all you can do is take who you REALLY WANT AND CAN GET, not just the person who plays the same position as the person you wanted
True. And that’s why I’m telling you who I “REALLY WANTED AND COULD HAVE GOTTEN” sans trade. Ingram + Moch or Houston + Foster or Wilson or Jernigan + Barksdale or Wright. Screw DL. Re-sign Charleston. Plug and play with Galette. We were serviceable there before Jordan. Better now obviously, yet no better at WOLB, the TRUE weakest link on defense (imo). If that didn’t do the trick in improving the pass rush, THEN use a first rounder (next year) on a DE. At least then, you’d have covered all your bases, as far as starters go (through 2012’s 1st rounder). As is, there’s still a glaring hole that resides at the Will.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Just slide Vilma over to Will stick WIlson in the middle and take your pick w/ the Sam either Clark or Casillas. Sound crazy enough for you?
"My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol before, after and if need be during all meals and in the intervals between them."-Winston Churchill
1. This isn’t the shell game.
2. Clark isn’t under contract.
3. Casillas isn’t starting material.
I wouldn’t be opposed to signing Clark, as I do believe he’s the best OLB we had last season. There are a few better UFA options, though. Tamba Hali probably won’t be re-signing with the Chiefs, now that they drafted Houston. I’d take him in a heartbeat. Chad Greenway would also be an upgrade over Shanle at the Will.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
I think Casillas deserves a shot.
Jo Lonn, Clark and Shanle have had their turns with varying degrees of suckiness. Casillas was going to start at will before he got hurt so Wilson can stay at Sam as he should. I think he could do well if he can stay on the field. But we will see.
What in the HELL just happened!?
by GESWhoseBack on May 3, 2011 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I’m not blaming either player. I’m blaming Loomis for being overzealous. Do you consider Joey Galloway to be a successful NFL receiver? He never made the Pro Bowl. Neither has Marques Colston. It doesn’t mean they haven’t been highly productive players. Even if both Jordan and Ingram turn out to be “1.5 players” (using your terminology), we could have still landed another 1.0+. We’re not talking about a draft pick not expected to make the final roster. Throwing that pick out of the window amounts to a guaranteed Cameron Jordan + Reggie Freeman (at best) combo out of this next year’s #1 and this year’s 2. Color me overly optimistic, but even if we win the SB this coming season, I think we could have done better than that with 32 (2012) and 56 (2011) overall. Hell, even if the DE well ran dry and you had to reach a little at 56, you’d be getting another starting OLB out of the deal. I’ll be surprised if Jordan starts in excess of six games this season. The only advantage to taking a DL 12 months early is the jump start he’ll get on learning curve. So, while we probably won’t miss a beat when Alex Brown’s contract expires next February, we may have to suffer through 16+ more games of the Casillas/Dunbar experiment opposite Wilson. Two or three years down the road, all of that is water under the bridge and we’re short a defensive starter. Theoretically, of course. I’m sure Shrewd Mick come up with yet another creative way to borrow from Peter to pay Paul before then.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Really? Mark Ingram is winning this poll?
You guys think VERY highly of Ingram.
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I didn't vote for him.
Voted for Wilson.
Canal Street Chronicles-A place of great Saints news and information. Oh and the stuff I write!
I did also, simply because he’s going to be on the field roughly 30 mins per game.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Why do you say that?
Canal Street Chronicles-A place of great Saints news and information. Oh and the stuff I write!
Why do I think he’s going to play that much? Because he’s the best OLB on the team. There’s no one even close. He’ll start from Day 1 and throughout the season, unless he gets hurt. Ingram will start, but will be part of a regular rotation, even if Bush isn’t a part of that. Jordan isn’t going to supplant Brown out of the gate, though I think he will by season’s end. Patrick won’t get a lot of playing time. The other two may or may not make the team.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Oh...I completely mis-read your comment.
I thought you meant he would only put in 30 minutes of effort out of 60 minutes. My apologies.
Canal Street Chronicles-A place of great Saints news and information. Oh and the stuff I write!
No, I meant he would be on the field the vast majority of the time the defense is, which is roughly half the game.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Yeah. Chalk that up to 3 hours of sleep in an AIS class.
Canal Street Chronicles-A place of great Saints news and information. Oh and the stuff I write!
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