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There isn't much logic in immediately applying grades to NFL drafts, mainly because no evaluation can be made until guys actually step onto the field and do something, and partly because every team boasts success after the extravaganza.



The New Orleans Saints shouldn't have to ease Reggie Bush's hurt feelings.
Each franchise, obviously, would give itself an "A." Yearly, each claims to have fulfilled all objectives. All swear that every player selected was graded higher on their draft board than where he was picked.
But for the New Orleans Saints, and the 2011 draft, a personal exception is offered.

As in, the team miserably failed in its dealings with Reggie Bush. Specifically, it fell down on the job when, after making a trade and drafting running back Mark Ingram in the first round, it wasted time stroking the ego and easing the apparently hurt feelings of the most famous part-time, situational player in franchise history.

In short, the Saints should tell him to climb aboard or kick rocks.
If New Orleans had drafted a quarterback in the first round, Drew Brees would have warranted consultation or clarification.
If the decision had been to take a middle linebacker, who would have been expected to compete with Jon Vilma for playing time, Vilma would have earned a conversation.
If a guard had been picked with the notion of taking reps from Jahri Evans or a safety had been snatched up on the belief that Malcolm Jenkins wasn't cutting it, Evans and Jenkins have played well enough to merit an account of the team's thinking.

But Bush?

Really?

Coach Sean Payton felt the need to call Bush on Friday to assure him the franchise still values him and to specifically detail Bush's role, advising him that the team still can use his talents?

That's comical.

Bush's mythological powers have been on display sparingly enough since he joined the Saints as the No. 2 overall pick in 2006 that he should have been initiating contact with the organization Thursday night. He should have been thanking the front office for picking a player who can do all the things Bush has proven he can't do through trial and error, tasks even Bush has to know deep down that he has failed to perform.

Because if he had shown he consistently could do the work, the Saints wouldn't have had much reason to pick Ingram.

The truth is that an argument in favor of the organization cutting ties with Bush, regardless of the size of the pay cut he's willing to take from the $11 million-plus he's scheduled to make, can be made just as persuasively, if not more, as one can be made for the team keeping him.

He hasn't played all 16 regular-season games since he was a rookie; otherwise, he has missed at least two games each season, topping out at a high of eight last year.

He never has run for more than 581 yards (2007), caught passes for more than 742 yards ('06) or had more than one season as a breakout punt returner (20 for 270 yards and three touchdowns in '08).

No, we can't ignore that he's an offensive threat. Bush has ability, and Payton has done a good job of using it.

But availability and durability are talents, too, and when they're absent, all the other gifts mean nothing. A fast guy who can't play isn't much of a distraction to the opposing defense.

This wasn't a case of Chris Johnson feeling insulted by the Titans, Adrian Peterson being slighted by the Vikings or Michael Turner wondering what the Falcons were thinking by those respective organizations picking a running back in the first round. Those players are load carriers who have earned the right to be concerned if their workload might decrease against their wishes.

Bush's numbers have been on a consistent decline. He never has been, or will be, a feature back for the Saints, and as much as fans love him and as electrifying as he periodically has been, his production never has measured up to the reputation.

As wonderful as experts say New Orleans did in the draft, and as high as the marks have been for the work, the way the franchise dealt with Bush only can be classified as a smudge on the draft.
There shouldn't have been a need to explain the selection of Ingram by one party. Rather, there should have been an appreciation for the selection of him by the other.

New Orleans Saints drop the ball by handling Reggie Bush with kid gloves | NOLA.com

saintsfan1976

Damn, John - tell us how you really feel!! lol

st thomas

ding,ding,ding,ding,ding,ding.

spkb25

I have to agree with these guys (jh as well). There are times when Bush seems not even to have the right mind to be playing. Maybe there are things going on in his life none of us know about. He has ability, look at the Cards game, but why is he only motivated every now and then? I would like to keep a player with his ability on this team- a guy that can break it at any time, but I am not sure we absolutely need RB anymore. He definitely is a matchup nightmare and nice to have on the team, but he needs to pay with more emotion. IMHO

BTW- H e wasn't at the workouts for the players....good sign R- there ya go

Your team stinks

saintsfan1976

Injury rehab, maybe? Posturing for money, perhaps?

EDIT: Besides, there were others missing too.

darstep

All of these guys have lives outside of football and other commitments and schedules that may keep them away from Tulane, understandable. A part of managing is treating everyone fairly, but not necessarily treating everyone the same. Bush seems like he has that child like temperment that may have to be handled a certain way to get the most out of him. We/They do what we/they have to do. If its hold his hand and tell him its going to be alright, then so be it - its free, and if it works even better. If its to convince him to restructure so we are better positioned to deal him away then that's just the hard cold reality of the business. Everybody needs to grow a pair, even Reggie.

**SaintSince67**

Rugby Saint II

What Reggie fails to understand is that Payton has given him a golden opportunity. Remember the one two punch with PT and Reggie? It worked out well for both of them. If PT hadn't just structured a new contract he might need to be the one who is nervous about being traded. This is good for Reggie and he can't see it. But Payton can and that is what matters.

spkb25

I think PT and Ivory are both still rehab.

As far as Nicks, Evans, and Moore- they all had good years. They need to be there, and it is a fair point, but they didn't have the sub par year RB did, and I am accounting for his injury.
Is LM under contract?? I know Evans was extended, I am not sure LM or Nicks situation... Anyone...?

RB posturing for money- he is due 11 mil- I am not sure what posturing he can really do, lol

spkb25

In all fairness, they don't have 9-5's

darstep

True SPKB25, but they have many off the field commitments. Commercial deals, appearances, charity and foundation work, some are finishing school. Some are even permanent residents of N.O. and are elsewhere. I'm just trying to give all of them the benefit of the doubt and avoid labeling any of them lazy or non-committed to the game.