Indianapolis – At this time last year, Jeff Ireland was helping the New Orleans Saints prepare to draft the players who would comprise, arguably, the best draft class in franchise history and one of the most decorated rookie classes in NFL history.
Did Ireland, the Saints’ assistant general manager and college scouting director, know that the franchise was on the verge of drafting: four opening-game starters (cornerback Marshon Lattimore, offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk, safety Marcus Williams and linebacker Alex Anzalone); an electrifying running back (Alvin Kamara) who played as many snaps as a starter; a defensive end (Trey Hendrickson) who played crucial snaps and has a chance to be a starter; and another defensive end (Al-Quadin Muhammad) who showed significant promise in the preseason?