*************2013 NFL DRAFT GRADES************

1.15 Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

The Saints needed a lot of help from this draft, and they got the hands down safest defensive back. Vaccaro fills a need, and is an amazing value here.

A

3.75 Terron Armstead, OT, Ark-Pine Bluff

Armstead is the freak of nature tackle that blew it up at the combine, but he luckily was drafted where he should have been. The Saints are getting a great deal on a player that could end up being a stud.

A

3.82 John Jenkins, NT, Georgia

The Saints grabbed their NT for their new 3-4 defense. I love this pick a lot.

A

5.144 Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma

6.183 Rufus Johnson, DE/LB, Tarleton State

OVERALL GRADE: A-

Outside of the fact that this team is missing on pass rushing linebackers, this was a perfect draft. The team landed on one instant starter, and up to four starters going into 2014. The team still needs a ton of talent to have a 'good' defense, but this is no longer a defense to sleep on.

 

 *************2012 NFL DRAFT GRADES************ 

3.89 Akiem Hicks, DT/NT, Regina (CA)

Hicks was a fast rising defensive tackle that some thought would be a 4th round sleeper. The Saints got him in the late 3rd which isn't too bad.

B

4.122 Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

Toon is a guy that has a lot to like including a great route running ability and a family history in the league.

B+

5.162 Corey White, S, Samford

6.179 Andrew Tiller, G, Syracuse

7.234 Marcel Jones, OT, Nebraska

OVERALL GRADE: D

Just like the Raiders grade, I do feel bad since the Saints had to wait awhile to pick, but there isn't too much to love with this draft. They ended up with a single starter, a receiver with some potential, and some other guys. But at the end of the day almost every pick was a reach.



*************2011 NFL DRAFT GRADES************ 
 
 Picks

1.24 Cameron Jordan, DE, California

Whenever a guy falls this far I start to wonder what bad news about the guy is going to come out, because Jordan should never have gotten past the Chargers (or about 23 other teams).

A
 
1.28 Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

I really like Ingram, and I don't understand why a team would pass on him. With that said, he wasn't worth a future 1st and a 2nd. Ingram as a Saint could be the next Adrian Peterson, but the coaching staff is known for ruining talent in this department. If the team plays Ingram for 20 carries one game and then puts in Chris Ivory for the full load the next week, then Ingram's talent will be wasted. If Ingram gets 20 carries a game and has guys built around him then this pick will be worth it.

B+
 
3.72 Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois

Is Wilson that good in the 4-3? No. But he was worth a 1st round grade for a 3-4 team, and is a steal of a player in the 4-3 either inside or outside.

A
 
3.88 Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville

Another steal here. Patrick really shined under Charlie Strong this season, and could end up being a great overall value here.

A
 
7.226 Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh

Every single year there is a top-20 quality pass rushing defensive end that gets hurt and falls deep into the draft. Last year Greg Hardy was that guy and was taken in the 6th round. He had 3 sacks, 2 FF and a safety caused as a backup for the Panthers. Expect Romeus to have similar potential.

A
 
7.243 Nate Bussey, LB, Illinois

Eh. I would have preferred to see the team take a receiver, a speedy rusher (to replace Bush), or an offensive lineman.

C
 
Draft Grade: A-

The Saints made a ton of great picks and addressed a bunch of their needs, but they lost their 2012 1st round pick. They addressed a lot of their problems, but I'm not sold that the coaching staff utilizes Ingram the right way. I'm a little nitpicky, but an A- grade is still one of the best (and it could be the best if Ingram is utilized).

New Grade: A-

I honestly am ok with the original analysis on this pick. The team got a ton of value, but lost 2012 value as well. If the team gives the rock to Mark Ingram consistently then he is a steal, but if they plug him in like the rest of the rushers then he was a waste.