New Orleans Saints Draft Review

1st Round, Pick #24: Cameron Jordan (DE California)

I was totally shocked to see Cameron Jordan fall this far on draft day, and this pick goes right up there with Robert Quinn at #14 as the top pick of the first round. Cameron Jordan is exactly what they look for in their defensive ends, they need to have size, and be able to stop the run first, and ideally be able to penetrate as well. Jordan is everything Will Smith and Charles Grant were for them, but even better. He has the size, strength, and power to stop the run, but also is a terrific athlete who can rush the passer. Tremendous steal for New Orleans here at pick #24!

Grade- A+

1st Round, Pick #28: Mark Ingram (RB Alabama)

New Orleans is getting a lot of high praises for this pick, and while taking the former Heisman Trophy Winner is not a bad move, I'm just not in love with this pick like many are. New Orleans already has about 5 guys capable of being above average running backs, granted they have all been injured, but I don't think New Orleans flopped in the playoff last year because of their running game. After stealing Cam Jordan a few picks earlier, I really would have liked to see the Saints take a Linebacker here like Akeem Ayers, somebody who can help them stop the run, which was the real reason they lost to Seattle last year. Solid pick, but not the way I would have used it.

Grade- C+

3rd Round, Pick #72: Martez Wilson (LB Illinois)

Another steal by the Saints here, taking a Linebacker who runs a 4.5 40 at 250 pounds in the 3rd Round. I would not be surprised at all if Martez Wilson emerged as the best 4-3 linebacker, whether inside or out, including Von Miller. As I said, the measureables for Wilson are off the charts, he has ideal build at 6-4 250, and can flat out fly! He also put it all together, and produced at a very high level this past year, after a couple bumpy years to start his college career. Wilson has the ability to play any position in the Saints 4-3 defense, they could choose to put him inside, and move Jonathan Vilma to the strongside, or Wilson can just start right out at the strongside. Wilson is raw, but I see no reason why he won't develop into a upper-echilon linebacker.

Grade- A+

3rd Round, Pick #88: Johnny Patrick (CB Louisville)

In a couple years, the Saints could very well have the best secondary in the entire league. With terrific young talent like Tracy Porter, Malcolm Jenkins, Patrick Robinson, and now Johnny Patrick, the Saints are loaded. Much like last years selection of Patrick Robinson, Johnny Patrick is a very raw prospect, and is not NFL ready, but has the all the tools to be great. He is a tremendous athlete, with good speed, fluid hips, and the strength to be physical with receivers. You won't hear much of him for probably 2 years, but down the road, I think Patrick will be a very good cornerback

Grade- A-

7th Round, Pick #226: Greg Romeus (DE Pittsburgh)

A situation like what happened with Greg Romeus is something that happens every year that just makes no sense to me. You have a guy like Romeus who has earned and solidified himself as one of the most feared pass rushers in the nation, everybody touts him as a great NFL Prospect, then he has a rough year, and everybody forgets about him. Romeus suffered about the worst year ever as a Senior. His mother died at the beginning of the season which no doubt weighed heavily on him, then he suffered an unusual back injury that forced him to miss a lot of time, then in his return he blew out his knee. About as unfortunate as it gets. If Romeus gets back to full strength, which I now assume with players, considering the advancement in injury rehabilitation, he will be a steal. Romeus has the skill, talent, and ability to be an elite edge rusher at the next level, he just needs to stay healthy. Absolute steal in round 7.

Grade- A+

7th Round, Pick #243: Nate Bussey (OLB Illinois)

Bussey was drafted exclusively to be a special teams player, and I think they may have found a very good one here. Bussey is not a factor on defense as he is too undersized to play linebacker, but not athletic enough to be a safety. He was very productive last year as a "Rover" type player, who just freelanced and went after the ball. He should be able to do that same type of thing with New Orleans and just attack on special teams.

Grade- B