aol sports-------saints draft grade
 

New Orleans Saints-B



With only two picks on the first day, the Saints didn't have much opportunity to draft players. That said, they added the best player in the country in Reggie Bush. The team already features Deuce McAllister, but the Pro Bowl running back has started 16 games only once in his career and is coming off a torn ACL. Bush provides the team with a potential opening day starter and brings an element of excitement to a community happy to have him. Bush's combination of speed and quickness are reminiscent of Barry Sanders. In the second round the Saints added safety Roman Harper. The instinctive defender is a good fit for the DB-needy Saints, but was considered a reach. The Saints added depth along the offensive line throughout much of the rest of the day, including the selection of Bloomsburg State's Jahri Evans and Northwestern's Zach Strief, both offensive tackles. The addition of center Jeff Faine through a trade with the Cleveland Browns will make a more immediate impact. The Saints also drafted Oregon State wide receiver Mike Hass in the sixth round. He lacks top athleticism, but won the Biletnikof Award last season as the nation's top wideout.