Eleven years ago, New Orleans added one of the best playmakers
in franchise history when they selected Jimmy Graham out of
Miami. Could the Saints turn back to ''The U'' for another
offensive contributor in this year's draft?
By Bob Rose | SI
The New Orleans Saints spent a 3rd round choice in the 2010 draft on a little-known tight end named Jimmy Graham out of the University of Miami (Fla.). Graham was an athletic project that had played just one year of college football after excelling as a basketball player for the Hurricanes.
After catching 31 passes and scoring five touchdowns as a rookie, Graham exploded into one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history for the Saints over the next four seasons. Graham has put together a successful 11-year career and sits near the top of several New Orleans franchise receiving records.
The Saints have been searching for an adequate replacement for Graham since trading him away after the 2014 season. Jared Cook had a Pro Bowl campaign in 2019, but was his contract was voided after last season because of a high salary and disappointing year.
New Orleans traded three draft picks last spring to move into the 3rd round to select TE Adam Trautman out of Dayton. Trautman showed promise and will be the team's starter in 2021. The team has little depth behind Trautman after releasing Cook and reliable veteran Josh Hill this offseason.
Because of the lack of depth at this position, the Saints may look to draft another tight end to develop alongside Trautman. Perhaps they turn back towards ‘‘The U'' and the subject of today's draft spotlight.
Full Story - SI
