Saints First Round Picks > FAIL!
 

When you look at the first round picks (see below) I see major disappointment and a big reason why the Saints have limited their success...

2002 Pick 13 Donte Stallworth, WR Tennessee

This guy didn't make the news for success for the Saints - this guy killed someone with his car, served less than a month and still committed crime by stealing an NFL salary as a receiver; Could have saved future draft picks and took Shockey who went next...

2002 Pick 25 Charles Grant, DE Georgia

This guy's biggest headline was when his posse shot a pregnant woman; move up one spot and you get Ed Reed, move back one spot, Lito Sheppard.

2003 Pick 6 Johnathan Sullivan, DT Georgia

Another Bulldog who was more intimidating to buffet tables than opposing quarterbacks. Again, could have kept picks 17 and 18; though Polamalu was gone at 16, could have gotten Faine (21) earlier and Asomugha (31)...

2004 Pick 18 Will Smith, DE Ohio State

Very late bloomer, has had varying degrees and stretches of success; gets his stats in bunches against inferior competition; had a nice stretch during the '09 campaign; is that all he's got left? Good Value here though Jared Allen and Shaun Phillips were there in Round 4...

2005 Pick 13 Jammal Brown, OT Oklahoma

Excellent Right Tackle; moved to left tackle marginalized him; still lives off of his brief early Probowl success; for what he's paid by the Redskins (value), Saints should have gotten more draft pick value; Now we love Drew, but Aaron Rodgers would have stopped the "He Who Is No Longer Named" Experience at quarterback, also Roddy While and Logan Mankins in that round; Michael Roos who's a far better Tackle was taken in early Round 2 (we took Josh Bullocks with the previous pick)...

2006 Pick 2 Reggie Bush, RB Southern California

This pick was tremendous and helped change the culture in New Orleans; stubbornness to make him a pro-forma running back was near sighted as he was a tremendous receiver that affected defenses; his selfishness disheartened fans and hastened his exit; Charlie Casserly is vindicated, while this was the right pick at the right time, and he provided an immediate impact, Saints could have built more for future with picks Haloti Ngata, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, or Nick Mangold...

2007 Pick 27 Robert Meachem, WR Tennessee

Lacked conditioning, a wide receiver at that, to play effectively his rookie season; has had some long gainers for highlights that could have easily gone to other receivers...marks a tremendous slide in return on first round picks, Bust; the draft we should have moved up in to take Patrick Willis, Darelle Revis, Dwayne Bowe, or Jon Beason...

2008 Pick 7 Sedrick Ellis, DT Southern California

The consolation pick; Saints failed to get Glenn Dorsey from KC and instead pick the underwhelming DT from USC; for what was given up, Bust; Stay where we were we have Jerrod Mayo, or even pick Ryan Clady...

2009 Pick 14 Malcolm Jenkins. DB Ohio State

Has developed extremely well but seems to have hit a ceiling; while he's made some plays, does not give many big hits or make interceptions as his mentor had provided; stock is starting to slide, Jury Deliberating; I wanted Clay Matthews...

2010 Pick 32 Patrick Robinson, CB Florida State

Non-exististent his first season, had good off season despite lock out and while he's had his growing lessons on National Television has played well; could Saints have moved back into early Round 2 and still have found him there for the value he's given thus far? Can he take his game to the next level to warrant his selection in first round? Jury asks for Menu; Let's give 'em a little more time, though he got one free season on us...

2011 Pick 24 Cameron Jordan, DE California

While he'll need some time to develop; you'd think with Smith, Ellis, Rogers/Franklin that this first rounder could have a few more big plays; but it is early, but one thing for sure is the pass rush has not improved at all...Jury ask to continue in AM; let's geaux all you DL can't be being doubled...

2011 Pick 28 Mark Ingram, Jr., RB Alabama

When you consider the premium on draft picks after the changes in the CBA, and the cache given to New England to get him; the low YPC and failed conversions on short yardage situations, he's disappointing and underwhelming; nothing like what Saints Nation was sold on...Jury asks to be excused as their Grandma is sick; you were supposed to be the Rookie Offensive Player of the Year, not the guy from Auburn...

:bng:I am a Saints Fan and I approve this message.

Chose 2002 to start as that was when the Executive of the Year took the helm...

Well isn't hindsight 20/20... well not really.

I see plenty of impact players on that list and contributors on that list which led us to a Superbowl win 2 years ago.

This is a whole lot of fail... just like how you pegged Cam Newton to be a bust. To tell you the truth, I knew the rest was going to be crap. I don't know what you're watching but we've had plenty of success since Sean Payton arrived. Get from under that rock and you'd stop missing out.

Did you apply from the GM job yet? Scout? It sure looks like we could use your expertise.

How many probowls on the list? Smith, Brown

Rounds 2-7 contribute, Rounds 1 are difference makers...

Because Pro Bowl appearances define whether or not you're a good player.

You do realize Reggie Bush was All Pro in 2008 right?

Care to bet Malcolm Jenkins makes a couple of trips during his career?

I'm going to give Ingram a pass so far. Questionable/Predictable play calling and awful o-line play have really hurt his production.

Again, Rounds 2-7 contribute, Rounds 1 are difference makers...

Would you argue that Ellis was worth the move up or even warranted Round 1 selection?

Would you argue that Meachem is worth his selection in round 1 when in the Saints system, any receiver can be a weapon?

Would you argue that two shots in Round 1 with Stallworth and Grant weren't major disappointment?

Would you argue that ignoring History does not condemn one to repeat it?

And that's fair assessment, which is why last year's and this year's round one's need a little more time...though round 1's should start right away, and they have this year

Who wouldn't get the draft right 5 years later, lol...

Most of these picks I was ok with at the time.

Meachem is a good player. Without his strip against the skins, who knows maybe we don't get home field advantage.

Jenkins was a st beast in 09

Ellis and Smith both played well in 09

While Reggie was a bust, we probably have a tougher game against the cards in the playoffs without him.

I agree that Stallworth, Sullivan, and Grant were crappy picks.

I agree, we'd all like to geaux back each year and redo our fantasy drafts...

But as an organization, when you miss this much, I think you gotta take a step back and look at the formula and see what could be improved on...

The lack of impact success in Round 1 is what I'm illustrating and while I hope we've turned a corner with Robinson, Jordan, and Ingram; their is evidence to review and analyze...

Even though our first rounders haven't been great. Still like what we did with Cam and Ingram and Robinson. Our later rounds picks have been great.

Mark Ingram is a rookie in a 3 tail back system. Way too early to judge our picks this year. To even consider them failures is absurd and ludicrous. Both Jordan and Ingram are receiving a large dose of playing time as rookies... I consider that an accomplishment.

Like I said, hindsight is 20/20. At the time, people crapped on themselves with joy with his selection. Care to disagree? It was a good move at the time.

He was the BPA on our board. Did we need a receiver? Probably not. I will never fault us for taking their top player on the board. Not every pick works out for everyone. Everyone has their hits and misses. What I do know is that he's a solid contributor for our spread offense.

Grant had his moments. While inconsistent the last few years here, he has some very good years for us. Stallworth... meh. Chalk that one up to a miss... everyone has them.

Look to the future, stop dwelling on the past. We have a great foundation here. It's a class organization with plenty of winning seasons now and in the future. Stop living in the misery of your past.

I have observed the New Orleans Saints football team for a long time, long enough to enjoy "Hap's Point After" with Hap Glaudi on the radkio many times after the Saints games.

I'm also very familiar with the history of the Saints. There is one thread in the fabric of Saints History which was woven from the beginning and is with us still today. That thread in the fabric is the fact that the Saints need to improve with the quality of their first round draft picks in particular and all draft picks in general.

The Saints have too often chosen poorly in first round picks from the very beginning, back in 1967, when Vick Schwenk made the picks.

Man, does that bring back memories...Hap was the best...

Like I've said a million and one times before...

Absolutely terrible terrible... terribly flawed and faulty logic.

They start when they're ready to contribute. Jobs are earned, not given. Being a first round pick does not give you the right to start right away. Players have to make adjustments and some people have a larger learning curve than the other.

Go back to fantasy land man... from the looks of it, you should dominate every league you're in.

I think our biggest moves are always late in the draft or our undrafted signings

This is why New England ususally trades out the 1st round.

Please ambassador, next time don't wait for the translation, just answer the questions; already addressed that the jury is still out on recent picks and addressed that at least the guys are starting...

There's a video of teenagers shooting fireworks from their arses who thought that was a good idea at the time...

So was he worth it; contributors are available in rounds 2-7; maybe the assessment for the "Board" needs to be improved...

JD Drew hit a 14 milliion dollar home run, so yeah the Sox got their value

Sounds like a Politician's comment; glad to know you'd ignore the past; and I sense from your "misery of your past" comment you have a personal axe to grind; may I suggest anger management or a Ron Jeremy infomercial for a much needed laugh...

It's okay to be passionate; you need to leave the personal passive aggressive stuff out of it...

And usually have more weapons than anyone else...

And I thought you were only concerned with cats and...vampires?

So far Ellis is a better pick than Dorsey! I'll take more passes defended and sacks any day.

Glenn Dorsey: Career Stats at NFL.com
Sedrick Ellis: Career Stats at NFL.com

This coming from the guy in quicksand; what we've learned from your discussion:

Ignore the past, look to the future...

You've said the same thing 1,000,001 times...

First Round Picks should have no more expectations on them as Sixth Round Picks or Rookie Free Agents...

And yes, I do lead my Fantasy League in points, Thank You...

Go back to whatever land you need to; I'm thrilled to be right where I am!

everyone close ur eyes and just imagine drew was a 1st rd pick of ours and we can say wow what a pick. lol. just trying to be friendly yall

The only way to judge this is to compare what the Saints results are with other teams. I've never been big on all the draft prognostication that starts for the next year before the current years draft even starts, and I'm even less inclined to look back a decade later and say "If we had only..."

And one thing I always do is I always expect less from the first rounder than probably most people do. It's a crap shoot. It always will be.

We could be like the Redskins and trade every pick away and geaux for proven vets like they do...

It is chance, but you'd expect better results as compared to other teams...

You're right, though...we could be the Bengals...

i believe our 2 1st rounders are doing okay, cam jordan was not a sack master in college he applied great pressure and was a sure tackler. now for ingram like someone said earlier hes in a 3 man rotation so hard to say; hes not getting 25 touches like some 1st round rbs do. i would think he could get that 100 yard per game with ease with all the attention. just saying guys they are far from being bust in my book.

You're right, you need two-three years to evaluate; that's why I posted the "jury" comments...

Jordan, I expected a little more with the attention I thought Smith, Ellis, Rogers/Franklin would command; many of us expected all four to now be a threat and it just hasn't happened...yet; I'm optimistic and hopeful...

Ingram seems to be getting stuffed alot; though I saw one play where he got more on his second effort (good to see); I'm as disappointed in our Oline as the RB production; but Sproiles has had success running even though his receiving options has been outstanding...

There is a couple that are major disappointments but the draft is what it is a gamble.

We do tend to have better luck in later rounds and I have become a believer that we should trade our first round pics for later round pics because of that.

I think you're on to something...

enuff of the black on gold crime already! caint we all just get along???

I disagree that Robert Meachem is a bust. Drew spreads the ball around so much it would be impossible to tell. And you could argue Meachem singlehandedly got us the number one seed in 2009 by REFUSING to allow the Redskins to beat us.

You got me. :doh:

I don't think Grant was a bust, he had a good couple of seasons but got to fat and lazy. Smith has been to alone on the D-line to be really effective. i think Ellis catches way to much flak, he has been a really solid DT and IMHO is our best interior DL. He has produced better for us than Dorsey for KC. I'm not crazy about Meachem but I have no problem with that pick either. Bush was the right move. Robinson looks really good so far. He might be the best of them all once its said and done. Jenkins is turning out nicely and I still see him making strides, I think the big plays will start to come for him. Jordan have been everything I hoped for so far, especially good aginst the run. Ingram suffers like the rest of the RBs because of the OL.

Yep...that's why i think we should draft for need more than BPA .ala LB..DE DT ....we score as you say better in later rounds and no rounds at all....look at Ivory UDFA..lead the team in rushing...look at Junyah..he is dam near outplaying Smith this year..another UDFA.. makes you wonder..

No I said you should stop dwelling in the past and look forward to our bright future. These aren't the same bag head Saints that you're accustomed to. Times have changed, get up to speed.

I'm sorry Mr. Smarty Pants, please direct me to that post or somewhere that I even implied this. Try not talking out your backside and read what's posted before you actually respond. Then you'd make more sense.

LOL! The next stop... the big leagues. Loomis watch your back.

LOL...

Comparing picks to the surrounding "what could have been" is something I use to do but realize now it's flawed reasoning. Football is a team sport and success for a player is often the result of the skills of other players and the system. Just because he works on a team does not mean it would have worked out on another team. It's fun to look at what we passed on but there are many other factors that compliment why or why not a 1st rounder turned into gold.

You grade the overall draft, not the first round, not the second, not the third....

In 2006 we had - Bush, Harper, Evans, Colston, Strief
In 2007 - Meachem, Bushrod
In 2008 - Ellis, Porter, Nicks
You know the rest of the drafts.

You think that every team wishes it can go back and get Evans, Colston, Nicks, Graham in the first round of the draft. There all guys we got later.

Always grade the draft not the position a player was taken.

I think the problem is we've not gotten good value from our first round picks. We seem to get better value out of our later rounds. Given the money a first round player gets, and our history, we should probably trade the pick for multiple later slots, maximizing our return on investment.

Did I capture the essence of your complaint?

You grade a team's draft by looking at how many players are still with the club and in a starting role with the team. We have a high percentage of guys over all rounds that made the team and evolved into starting roles. I would say we draft above average, especially in later rounds. Many of our first rounders became starters, most turned into solid journeyman players and a couple of busts. We failed to hit the home run picks though in the first.

You also have to look at the success of the team as a whole. We've become a Super Bowl Champion and have been a consistent post season team over the past 5 years. I think our drafting has complemented things quite well. The only glaring disaster pick to me right now is Sullivan. I can accept every other pick as we saw respectable results. You can't look at drafts from 7 years ago and say we made the wrong pick on someone because a future pro bowler went in the 4th round. 32 people smarter than all of us didn't see it at that time. And people paid to be smarter than us have consistently graded our drafts no worse than average every year as they transpire with some being excellent grades.

I've been confident in Loomis and Payton over their tenure. They have shown no reason to make me lack confidence in their scouting. At the time I have been happy with each pick in the first round since 2006 without question. Sure in hindsight some could have been better spent, but at the time I was in agreement that the fit was right.

You still also have to take into account where the players are and are the contributing on other team. Just because they aren't in NO doesn't mean they were a bust either.

Also just depends our your criteria on how you grade them. You can have 100 of us with our own take on what is a fail and what isn't.