4 New Orleans Saints whose stock rose following the 2022 NFL Draft

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Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Mark Ingram

Some fans were hoping that New Orleans might put a stronger emphasis on the running back position in the draft. A big reason as to why is that Alvin Kamara is likely facing a lengthy suspension due to his offseason arrest.

NOLA didn’t add a running back in the draft, however, and this bodes well for Mark Ingram, who is entering the final year of his contract. It’s not as though Ingram was really in serious danger of being cut (though the Saints would save $2 million if he was let go before or after June 1, according to Spotrac).

The Saints traded for Ingram midway through the 2021 season and at first, his addition was a good one but he faded near the second half of the season. That’s another reason why adding another running back would have been a smart move for NOLA.

While UDFA Abram Smith could make a serious run at the roster, Mark Ingram’s stock rose following the draft because, for now, he’s still the backup running back and the likely one to take over while Kamara is out.