The New Orleans Saints are a day closer to training camp, and position battles across the roster will be settled during the next month for the upcoming season. Saints 247 continues its 2012 Training Camp preview with a look at the New Orleans tight ends.
The tight end position in the NFL is undergoing a bit of a renaissance. Long gone are the days of simply acting as an extra offensive lineman and catching the occasional pass – today’s tight end must act like a larger version of a wide receiver, especially in the red zone, all the while staying back to block when called upon.
Sure Things:
Jimmy Graham
At the forefront of the league-wide tight end revolution is Jimmy Graham. Measuring at an impressive 6’7” and 265 pounds, Graham is maybe the most physically gifted tight end in the league. Even at his size, Graham is extremely athletic; his ability to outrun defenders (skip to the 1:09-1:10 mark) is unreal. I’m not sure there is a defender in the league that can match up with him one-on-one. His value to the offense is only challenged to the quarterback feeding him the ball. Graham will be heavily depended upon again this season if the Saints want to stay in the playoff hunt.
David Thomas
Thomas, like his unrelated Thomas counterpart in the backfield, is another player that Saints coaches value for his versatility and game awareness. He catches the ball well, and blocks well enough to chip elite defensive ends. As long as he is healthy, Thomas is an effective piece to the offense; he is rarely out of position, makes intelligent, on-field decisions, and serves as a mentor to younger players. Thomas is a solid backup, and would probably be a starter on a less talented roster.
On the Bubble:
Michael Higgins
Jake Byrne
You might recognize Higgins from last season – he was active for four games last season. A career special teams player, Higgins will battle with rookie Jake Byrne for the third tight end spot on the roster. As a four year starter at the University of Wisconsin, Byrne totaled 6 catches for 57 yards and a touchdown; clearly, Byrne was not a part of the Badgers’ passing game. The rookie, however, will have every opportunity to prove himself during training camp, and could push Higgins for that final tight end position. Higgins has the inside track, but that could all change in a matter of weeks.
Tomorrow: Wide Receivers
