2011 NFL Draft: 1st Round Likely New Orleans Saints Best Ever

The 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft for the New Orleans Saints has all the possibilities of being one of the most productive in Saints history.

When it was time for the Saints to pick at number 24, they were faced with picking a defensive end that was a definite need, or the best available player at a position that they appear to have depth.

I was happy to see the Saints pick DE Cameron Jordan from Cal with the 24th pick in the first round.

Jordan is 6-4, 290 pounds, and ran a 4.7 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Jordan was picked by some as being the number 6 prospect in the 2011 NFL draft. He will be an excellent pash rusher on the opposite end of the defensive line from Will Smith.

Offensive coordinators will have a terrible time deciding which of these two monsters they need to double team.

I had just started to relax knowing the Saints had filled a big need on their defense. However, in the back of my mind I was thinking, “What if they would have taken the best available player instead?”

Right about that time I heard the announcement come over the television. The Saints had just traded their 2012 first round pick, and their second round pick this year (56), to the New England Patriots for their 28th pick.

WHAT? Is it possible? That’s when I knew, Mark Ingram was going to be the New Orleans Saints newest addition to our amazing running back group.

Running Back Mark Ingram from Alabama was picked at number 28. The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner will be wearing black and gold.

Ingram possesses a rare combination of power and quickness. He finished his career with 3,261 yards on 572 carries (5.7 yards per carry) and 42 touchdowns.

I believe Ingram has the ability to become one of the best running backs in the NFL.

The 2011 NFL Draft is already a success in my eyes for the New Orleans Saints. I believe Jordan and Ingram will both be significant contributors to the Saints in 2011 on our way to winning our second Superbowl.

I just want to tell the New Orleans Saints organization that I give them an A+ for their efforts on the first day of the 2011 NFL Draft.

I did hear some grumblings about Ingram and his recovery from his knee injury. My response to that is simple.

A few short years ago there was a quarterback that was released from his team due to questions about his recovery from a shoulder injury.

Hmmm? Countless records broke, Superbowl Champion, and Superbowl MVP…I would say that Quarterback recovered just fine from his injury.

The Saints believed in Drew Brees at a time when others wouldn’t. Brees came back stronger than ever and proved to everyone how wrong they were for doubting him.

I have a feeling Ingram will want to prove to everybody, that he is the best running back in the NFL.

The road to Indianapolis has begun…WHO DAT!!! GEAUX SAINTS!!!