Underhill: Saints tight end outlook: A long way from Jimmy Graham's heyday, what's next at TE spot? (1 Viewer)

[Andrus]

By Nick Underhill

Sean Payton tipped his hand before the season even started.

He knew that his offense was going to look different. He knew what he was about to unleash on the league, and it wasn’t going to be like anything the Saints had shown the previous few seasons.

"I think the changes take place with the addition or subtraction of the different tight ends or the different halfbacks," Payton said. "In other words, there’s some staples receiver-wise, but we went from Ernie Conwell, Billy Miller in those early years, then (Jeremy) Shockey and Jimmy Graham, (Coby) Fleener.”

Payton got his evolution with the addition of rookie running back Alvin Kamara. He didn’t get the same result from his tight ends. In fact, it was the opposite. It didn’t help that Fleener’s season ended after 11 games due to a concussion, but the production wasn’t there even before he was lost for the year, as he made 22 receptions for 295 yards.

The rest of the group wasn’t much better – at least in the receiving game – as the collective only accumulated 472 yards on 44 receptions. It was the lowest yardage total New Orleans received from the position since 2006, when Mark Campbell, Billy Miller and a handful of other players combined for 411 yards. The next lowest figure was 711 yards, set in 2007...

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[RJ in Lafayette]

Tight end is biggest need on team. We saw in the Super Bowl what a tight end can do.

 

[the-commish]

Tight end is biggest need on team. We saw in the Super Bowl what a tight end can do.

Are there many Gronks, or Ertzs, out there to be had?

 

[dutar76]

I like Nick... He's gonna give it to you straight without hoopla. We very well could go forward without adding or subtracting from the TE group. With that money on the table and the deadline approaching, guess we'll be finding out soon.

There's some winners in this draft class, I think we'll find our guy there.

 

[BELOWSEALEVEL]

Mark andrews unless Baker is to be had by moving
up with minimal draft pick loss. If Mayfield is still on the
board around 17 to 20th pick, we may make a move.
Then address a TE in the latter rounds. Unless a free
agent wows Loomis and coach p. You never pass on
a potential franchise qb. NEVER! This draft is gonna
be smoke and mirrors. Expect the unexpected.
If Taysom is coach P's guy, then qb is off the board.
Then enter Ohio state prospects... lol

 

[HogsNSaints]

Are there many Gronks, or Ertzs, out there to be had?

There's a decent chance Jimmy Graham and Tyler Eifert are both available.

 

[Bartyboy]

I may be wrong but I believe our seller running game was helped out by blocking TEs. Not to many TEs are great blockers and receivers.With 1500 yards from each of our 2 RBs I'm not sure TE is as big a need as some think.

 

[dutar76]

I may be wrong but I believe our seller running game was helped out by blocking TEs. Not to many TEs are great blockers and receivers.With 1500 yards from each of our 2 RBs I'm not sure TE is as big a need as some think.

Sean payton is a master at using a rb-te duo to destroy defenses. You match up a seam monster te with kamara and watch the te prosper and kamara's game goes to another level. Having world class rbs doesn't mitigate the need for a tight end.

 

[SaintSeb]

Are there many Gronks, or Ertzs, out there to be had?

Drafting the next top TE would be fantastic but the Saints just need a Ben Watson at this point. Big mistake letting him go from a productivity and leadership standpoint.

 

[TribuneUK]

Sean payton is a master at using a rb-te duo to destroy defenses. You match up a seam monster te with kamara and watch the te prosper and kamara's game goes to another level. Having world class rbs doesn't mitigate the need for a tight end.

I presume you're thinking Sproles-Graham type of scheme?

I'm interested in maybe analysing what they did then and if it really is better and more sustainable than what we had success with this year? Interested in your thoughts, I think it is about more than gross yards per game comparison - maybe delving into utilisation of different position groups or personnel in different downs and situations. For one thing I think (anecdotally) we weren't able to run the ball when we wanted/needed to consistently in that scheme. Again interested in your thoughts and some data to get into that discussion.

 

[RJ in Lafayette]

In the first Carolina playoff game, Carolina dared us to pass. A reason is that, outside Thomas and Kamara, our receivers are not special. A quality tight end would materially make our offense more dangerous.

We will have to see what tight ends are available in free agency. In the draft, there may not be a tight end worthy of the 27th pick--let's wait until the combine takes place. But at this time, there appear to be several tight ends in this draft who should go in the second and third rounds.

 

[Saint Kamara]

I presume you're thinking Sproles-Graham type of scheme?

I'm interested in maybe analysing what they did then and if it really is better and more sustainable than what we had success with this year? Interested in your thoughts, I think it is about more than gross yards per game comparison - maybe delving into utilisation of different position groups or personnel in different downs and situations. For one thing I think (anecdotally) we weren't able to run the ball when we wanted/needed to consistently in that scheme. Again interested in your thoughts and some data to get into that discussion.

474 yards per game vs 390 should tell you everything you need to know. 34 points vs 28.

The most prolific offense in the history of the NFL.

 

[Le_fleur_fan_78]

In the first Carolina playoff game, Carolina dared us to pass. A reason is that, outside Thomas and Kamara, our receivers are not special. A quality tight end would materially make our offense more dangerous.

We will have to see what tight ends are available in free agency. In the draft, there may not be a tight end worthy of the 27th pick--let's wait until the combine takes place. But at this time, there appear to be several tight ends in this draft who should go in the second and third rounds.

Or a WR and a TE. Also, it looks like we might need a lineman if Senio Klemete is offered a bigger contract elsewhere.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[GameBreaker]

I really like Hayden Hurst in this draft.

Former pitcher. Great at catching the seam routes that Underhill mentions. Even a good H-back and great touch on the ball when he's passing. Multiple roles type of guy.

https://youtu.be/rqhFG2IxqGI