Mark Ingram Video: Watch New Saints RB's Emotional Post-Draft Interview

Not many believed Mark Ingram would last until the No. 28 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Some thought Miami would pull the trigger at No. 17. The Patriots seemed like an ideal spot at No. 17. As each pick passed, the agony grew for the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, and visions of Brady Quinn and Aaron Rodgers were brought to the forefront of our minds.

But finally, after a trade with New England Patriots, the New Orleans Saints selected Ingram and the overwhelming relief was very evident during his interview with Suzy Kolber.

His father, a Super Bowl winning wide receiver with the New York Giants during the 1990's, watched his son's biggest evening from a federal prison, after being sentenced on bank fraud and money laundering. In 2009, he jumped bail in an attempt to watch his on in the National Championship Game, adding more time onto his time behind bars.

Can't blame Ingram for tearing up when Kolber read the email from his proud but absent father.

Ingram represents fantastic value for the Saints at such a late-stage of the first-round. He's got excellent vision, bounces off would-be tackles with ease, and is a competent pass blocker. 

He'll fit into the Saints system perfectly alongside Reggie Bush is Sean Payton's system. With two tailbacks that offer different skill sets, Drew Brees and all those talented wide-receivers, New Orleans' offense is frightening. (They better re-sign Bush)

Ingram will take on the every down duties, punishing the defenses on first and second downs, allowing Bush to slide into his role as a third-down dynamo.

Lastly, he's got a lot to prove and will run with a chip on his shoulder.

Hard not to root for Ingram, a great player and even a better kid.