Fantasy Football: Who to Take with the Seven Pick?
(80) dunks after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports” width=”250″ height=”376″ /> Aug 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) dunks after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Graham: As far as fantasy football is concerned, no player is more dominant at his position than Jimmy Graham. Other than Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham is the only tight end to average over 10 fantasy points per game in each of the past three seasons, and Graham has played in 12 more games. Though the seven pick is extremely early to be picking a tight end, the reigning touchdown leader is definitely worth a look.
Things to Note:
Contract issues may serve as a distraction: After consecutive seasons of being franchise tagged, Graham is paid and extended through 2017. While the contract is at a fair price, four years $40 million, to say it was easily reached is an overstatement.
Deeper Saints receiving core: First round pick Brandin Cooks has given the Saints another receiver to put on the outside. With Marques Colston, improving second-year wide receiver Kenny Stills, and Cooks the Saints have as talented a group of pass catchers as they’ve had in Brees’ tenure. While this opens up space for Graham it also means less passes will be heading his way. Don’t be surprised if he’s targeted less this season (144 targets in 2013, 12th most in the league).
Verdict: Not a top pick in my eyes. I would hesitate to take in the first round.