As the 2011 NFL draft approaches, it is important to understand where the Saints stand at each major position group. In continuing to move through the offense, let’s take a look at a group that is in flux right now for the Saints: the Tight Ends.
The Saints made headlines early this offseason by releasing former pro bowl TE Jeremy Shockey. Observers may see this as a bold move. Shockey enjoyed a revitalization of his career in New Orleans after wearing out his welcome with the New York Giants in 2007. His three-year stay in New Orleans was highlighted by a TD catch in Super Bowl XLIV while contributing significantly to the Saints potent offense.
The decision to drop Shockey, however, was one that really makes a lot of sense. The Saints now have what they believe is one of the real up-and-comers at the TE position in Jimmy Graham, whom they drafted in the third round in 2010. While Shockey would have commanded $4.2 million in cap space in 2011, Graham is still on his rookie contract, and we’re not necessarily talking about big money here. As a third round pick, Graham offers the Saints potentially high production for relatively low cost.
Graham joins the ranks of other top NFL TEs—Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, among others—who spent the majority of their college days on the basketball court before recognizing their knack for football. He brings to the table a big body with great hands, which he showed by making this spectacular TD catch in Baltimore.
When factoring in the amount of time Shockey spent on the inactive list due to injuries, it just becomes an issue of getting more while paying less. The Saints have a young player who they feel can be as—or more—productive than the much older Shockey, and the team recognizes that the risk of being without their number one TE for several games each season due to injury is smaller until proven otherwise (knock on wood).
Add David Thomas, the sure-handed number two TE, to the mix, and the Saints really don’t lose a whole lot by dropping Shockey. Sure, he was an energetic veteran who had a knack for firing up the offense, but the bottom line with this situation is that the Saints will still be fine in double-TE formations, which is really what this is all about. And let’s also not forget, these guys can block.
While there are some questions in this group moving into 2011, the decision to drop Shockey was one born out of great confidence from the Saints front office and coaching staff. And for anybody who thinks they will really miss Jeremy Shockey, don’t worry, we’ll still see him twice a year with the Saints division-rival Carolina Panthers.
