The Saints are Coming!

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The New Orleans Saints were clearly the winner in last night's first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. The Saints selected University of California Defensive End Cameron Jordan, an absolute beast by any measure, and a great value at pick #24. The real whopper, however, was a trade up with the New England Patriots to the #28 spot to draft University of Alabama Running Back and 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, Jr..

Cameron Jordan

The selection of Jordan shores up a significant hole on the Saints' defensive line that was never fully shored up after the release of Charles Grant. The Saints signed Alex Brown in the 2010 offseason to replace Grant, but Brown often proved to be a cut below par against the run. Jordan's speed, agility, and strength in his 6'4" 287 pound frame should provide an immediate boost to the Saints' front seven.

Notice how svelte Cameron Jordan is? Can you imagine how much muscle THIS guy is packing at 287 pounds? 2

Mark Ingram

The selection of Mark Ingram provided more questions than answers for the Saints. Ingram has all of the tools to be an elite superstar power running back in the NFL, an asset the Saints have sorely lacked since Deuce McAllister's last productive season in 2006. The Saints recently signed RB Pierre Thomas to a multi-million dollar extension and have second year workhorse RB Chris Ivory. This throws into question how Thomas and Ivory's roles may have changed. The elephant in the room, in the view of many, however, was the future of Reggie Bush, the former 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, second overall pick in the 2006 draft, one of the most popular and (when healthy) versatile players on the team.

Mark Ingram: Get ready, NFL! 3

Reggie Bush

Much of the sports world was abuzz after Bush posted "Its been fun New Orleans" from his Twitter page. Listening to New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton's remarks very shortly after the pick, I am of the opinion that Payton has no intention of letting Reggie go. Bush's role is different from that of Ingram, Ivory, and Thomas. He has a different skill set and, whether he touches the ball or not, a significant portion of the offense (directly or indirectly) runs through or around Bush.

I doubt that the Saints will keep Bush at the nearly $12 million salary he is expected to receive next year. I also think he is more valuable to the Saints, because of the coach and the offensive scheme, than he would be to another team. If and when Bush and the Saints renegotiate, I think they will make Bush a more favorable offer than he would receive elsewhere. I do not blame Bush for being a upset, though. That is human nature.

Can you believe this was Reggie's "workout" (with Kim Kardashian) barley over a year ago? Now this? How fortunes change quickly in pro football! 4

Great Start

The sparks flew for the black & gold in last night's draft. With the plugs they acquired, the fireworks should be bright in the Big Easy in 2011. What is certain is that the Saints got their men. WHO DAT!


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1) The NFL Draft logo is a trademark of the National Football League; Image from whosright.com
2) Image from goldenbearlair.com
3) Image from blogs.sun-sentinel.com
4) Image from celebritysmackblog.com