Saints coach Sean Payton talks Jordan, Ingram and the effect on Bush after NFL Draft First Round 2011
 

Thursday, April 28, 2011


Opening Statement: “We really didn’t think he would get down that far. Mark Ingram was someone that we thought a lot of as well. After the selection, Mickey (Loomis) and I began to talk about that scenario. You have to find someone that is willing to do that. There were a few picks taking place. There was some confusion as to what was happening with Baltimore in their selection along with the Chiefs. Ultimately, New England had interest. You get a little bit re-focused. It gets quiet in there. When we sorted out who Baltimore was taking, New England was up and we were able to get a deal done. Obviously, we are excited. We are excited about both of these players. There is always that little bit of uncertainty as you head in to each draft and certainly that was the case this year. Mickey and I sat there and we talked about it and we both felt, in regards to Mark (Ingram), real good about this player. We like this player a lot in regards to what he brings to the field, but off the field as well.”


(On getting two players in the first round)

“It’s a little different every year. There is probably more uncertainty the further back you get. It varies year to year. I think that you are just always trying to keep your options open and pay attention. There are times where we traded up in the first round, or any round, to get a player. In this case, we did the same technically with our second round pick.”


(On the window of opportunity)

“It’s finding players that fit our profile and we think that these are players that can help our team win games. We always feel that sense of responsibility to our current team when we make these selections and bring players like this into our locker room.”


(On Mark Ingram’s involvement in the offense)

“There are a lot of good traits that he has and certainly we feel like we have a lot of good running backs on the team. Last year, we got nicked up with some injuries. He will clearly have a role. In anything and everything these players, they always earn in regards to their snaps. We will figure out a plan and move forward with it.”


(On losing next year’s first round draft pick)

“It’s really simple, you just know that the pick next year…I think earlier today, we saw a team in our division, Atlanta, make a very aggressive move for a receiver. You look at the talent, you look at the player. You also take a very close look what you think is going to be available in the second round this year where we were selecting and that all factors in.”

Full article here.
Saints coach Sean Payton talks Jordan, Ingram and the effect on Bush after NFL Draft First Round 2011