The New Orleans Saints entered the 2010 NFL Season as the defending Super Bowl Champions, and even though they posted a 12-4 record, a string of key injuries led to a wild card berth, then a surprising loss at Seattle in the playoffs. The Saints went into the draft with intentions of getting back to the Super Bowl, and they had one of the best drafts of any team in the NFL.
The defense got an early gift when Cameron Jordan fell all the way to the Saints and the 24th overall selection. Jordan is an athletic defensive end, and many saw him going in the first third of Round 1. Then the Saints made a trade with New England to acquire a second pick in the first round, and hit again with Mark Ingram, the running back from Alabama who won the Heisman Trophy in 2009. Injuries decimated the Saints backfield, and though Ingram suffered his own injury last season, he looks to be the long term answer behind Drew Brees in the backfield.
New Orleans had two picks in Round 3, and the defense got even more help. Martez Wilson was one of the highest rated middle linebackers going into the draft. Fast, athletic, and a sure tackler, Wilson should be able to find ample playing time right away. Later in Round 3, the Saints selected Johnny Patrick, a cornerback out of Louisville. Patrick has all the skills needed to succeed at corner, and should also be able to find a spot in a defensive secondary that is in need of a playmaker.
A late round sleeper looks to be Greg Romeus, a defensive end from Pittsburgh selected in Round 7. Romeus was injured much of 2010, but many saw him with talent to go on Day 2 of the draft. If he can stay healthy, Romeus should be a valuable contributor for the Saints.
Draft Grade: A
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