Jimmy Graham Poised for Breakout

by Dave Cariello on Nov 8, 2010 12:01 PM CST

One of the many bright spots from the Saints victory over the Panthers yesterday most certainly has to have been the play of rookie tight end Jimmy Graham. The 6'6" former basketball player has quietly and ever increasingly become a significant contributor on this team, culminating with his career performance yesterday which saw him score his first ever NFL touchdown.

vs CAR / 11.7.10	Receiving
	Rec	Yards	Avg	TD
Jimmy Graham	3	49	16.3	1

	Receiving						Kickoff Returns					Punt Returns
G	Rec	Yds	Y/G	AVG	Lng	TD	KR	YDS	AVG	Lng	TD	PR	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD
5	8	98	19.6	12.3	19	1	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

At first glance, Graham's season totals certainly aren't mind-blowing but he's a solid special teams contributor and is increasingly earning the trust of his quarterback, Drew Brees. Also remember that Graham is a third-round draft pick whose value right now comes more from the potential he shows.

All of this is welcome news, of course, after starting tight end Jeremy Shockey left yesterday's game with bruised ribs. Based on Shockey's injury-riddled past, he'll probably be missing a few games, meaning Graham now has an opportunity to really make a name for himself and show the team and fans why he's the future tight end of the New Orleans Saints.

Your thoughts? What does the future hold for Jimmy Graham and the Saints? Does the Shockey injury mean more of Graham?

Poll

What does the future hold for Jimmy Graham?

He's starting by the end of the year and stays there for years.

169 votes

He's starting by week one next season and stays there for years.

313 votes

He's cut within two years.

16 votes

He has a long career with the Saints only as a special teams/role player.

21 votes

Injuries forever hamper his development.

5 votes

524 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Good TD by Graham

although I didn’t care for his “fake” crowd leap. Perhaps it was pure ‘on the spot’ and not thought through, but c’mon man. Do your leaping in the Dome, neg.

"Relax, have a homebrew!"

by CajunCavern on Nov 8, 2010 12:08 PM CST reply actions

Remember one AFC coach did say Jimmy Graham was the steal of the draft.

It was expected to be 2 years before he’d see the field consistently, but everyone felt once he got there, you wouldn’t be able to get him off of it. It’s great to see him already contributing, it bodes well for the future.

Does anyone know if he’s a capable blocker? I know he’s more of a receiving threat obviously, but I’m curious about his development into a complete tight end, and not just a stretch the middle of the field threat. Robinson has shown promise, Graham is coming out, Matt Tennant has looked capable in his backup roles for center and guard…our draft class is coming around. Anyone hear any news on Charles Brown’s development?

"Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not 'every man for himself.' And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked 'em up."

by jeff.l.b on Nov 8, 2010 12:12 PM CST reply actions

i would vote somewhere between "starter next year" and special teamer/role player

i would consider the baconator a role player… but why can’t graham become “match up nightmare who doesn’t technically start”?

"As a Saint fan I watch ‘Gone with the Wind’ just to watch Atlanta burn" -Ralph Malbrough

by DrewBreesManCrush on Nov 8, 2010 12:13 PM CST reply actions

Does 2nd TE count as starter?

Week 10 matchup: Bye
Week 10 motto: Bye? Where are you going?

by Jon Banks on Nov 8, 2010 12:24 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Starters are iffy and package based. You really just have to gauge starters on our team based on snaps. It’s one of the reasons I’m curious if anyone has knowledge of his blocking ability. More complete tight end = more time on the field.

"Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not 'every man for himself.' And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked 'em up."

by jeff.l.b on Nov 8, 2010 12:54 PM CST up reply actions

I like Graham but Shockey is the guy to start....As long as he is playing....Shockey!!!!

by Saintsfan4life on Nov 8, 2010 12:32 PM CST reply actions

I'm curious which Troller picked "he's cut within 2 years".

Guy has amazing athleticism and skills that can be harnessed. No way he’s cut in 2 years unless he suffers a catastrophic injury.

"Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not 'every man for himself.' And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked 'em up."

by jeff.l.b on Nov 8, 2010 12:52 PM CST reply actions

two trollers

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!
WHO DAT?!
TWO DAT!!

by LA_No1_SaintFan on Nov 8, 2010 1:41 PM CST up reply actions

i say he's starting by next year or the year after

like you said he has great potential. So does Meachem though and he’s not a starter. IDK how long Shockey and Thomas are under contract for but having Graham here doesn’t help their chances of being resigned.

Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!

by skinnykinney on Nov 8, 2010 1:27 PM CST reply actions

When is Shockey's contract up?

I really don’t see the Saints resigning 88. They might but I doubt it. Anyway when the Saints and jemeryShockey part ways is when Jimmy Grahm is a consistant starter.

We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!
-- Pat Williams

by Fat Punk Kicker on Nov 8, 2010 1:52 PM CST reply actions

I agree

by blackandgoldbuddha on Nov 8, 2010 1:59 PM CST up reply actions

I disagree

I think when the time comes for that discussion they get something done that is agreeable to both parties and Shockey retires a wearing Black and Gold.

As for contract (ala Rotoworld):

10/12/2005: Signed a five-year, $26 million contract extension through 2011. The deal included a $3 million signing bonus, an initial roster bonus of $7.5 million, and a $2.4 million “reporting” bonus in the fourth year. Another $5.2 million is available in incentives. 2010: $3.825 million, 2011: $4,508,332, 2012: Free Agent

I like Hamburgers!

by Grumps on Nov 8, 2010 2:23 PM CST up reply actions

Graham does have great potential but you know how that goes we'll see...also Shockey????

Whats the deal with Shockey? Is he at the end of the line? He is always hurt and doesnt seem to be a big part of the offense at all…

also where’s Devery?

by blackandgoldbuddha on Nov 8, 2010 1:59 PM CST reply actions

Henderson’s busy dropping passes. Manos de piedra. Shockey’s not always hurt, he plays hurt and battles through. Also signs show he probably just has bruised ribs, which means there’s a good chance he’s back by the Seattle game anyway.

"Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not 'every man for himself.' And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked 'em up."

by jeff.l.b on Nov 8, 2010 2:26 PM CST up reply actions

hey I have nothing against Shockey...I like hime snd want him to be a saint

However if you dont believe he is always hurt I dont know what to tell you…

by blackandgoldbuddha on Nov 8, 2010 3:41 PM CST up reply actions

I guess i view hurt via the old “Program” mantra. “Are you hurt, or are you injured.” I don’t have a problem with him playing hurt…he’s rarely “injured”. He’ll miss a game or two, but is there when you need him. I don’t view him necessarily as injury prone like i do Pierre.

"Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not 'every man for himself.' And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked 'em up."

by jeff.l.b on Nov 8, 2010 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

I get your point....

I can agree…I think Shockey is good to miss 2-3 games… I fdont knoww if I feel Thomas is injury prone but I believe Bush and Porter are definintley brittle and injury prone….

by blackandgoldbuddha on Nov 8, 2010 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

also where’s Devery?

Almost did a whole post today based on that question.

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by Dave Cariello on Nov 8, 2010 4:07 PM CST up reply actions

Manos de piedra

"Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not 'every man for himself.' And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked 'em up."

by jeff.l.b on Nov 8, 2010 4:33 PM CST up reply actions

Please do it

I need some perspective on Devery’s disapperance from the offense…

by blackandgoldbuddha on Nov 8, 2010 4:55 PM CST up reply actions

Don't worry, I'm dropping him from my team this week.

That should make his numbers go back up.

Week 10 matchup: Bye
Week 10 motto: Bye? Where are you going?

by Jon Banks on Nov 9, 2010 10:47 PM CST up reply actions

Shockey is having a good season from a statistical standpoint thus far.

He has also matched his TD total from last season.

Is he at the end of the line? lolwat?

"In fact, Sterger claims that, in one of the photos Favre allegedly sent her, he's masturbating — while wearing a pair of Crocs"

by J of the F on Nov 9, 2010 4:09 AM CST up reply actions

I think he's our 2nd TE behind Dave Thomas next year

I really like Shockey but I dont know how much more punishment his body can take he plays all out every play and thats great for our team but not a good thing to have a long career
If we win it all again this year he may ponder retirement

World Champions at last

by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 8, 2010 2:11 PM CST reply actions

Oh yea since there's not an option as second TE up there

World Champions at last

by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 8, 2010 2:13 PM CST up reply actions

I like hamburgers

World Champions at last

by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 8, 2010 2:14 PM CST up reply actions

it realy is

a Hamburger kind of day.

"In fact with that article from today that had him real lean and everything, I think I’m going to play him at corner this week in place of Tracy Porter."-Greg Williams in refefernce to Sedrick Ellis

by BRSaintsFan on Nov 8, 2010 2:24 PM CST up reply actions

He's tall

"But tonight the Superbowl belongs to the City of New Orleans" - Roger Goodell 2/7/2010

by SaintBevo on Nov 8, 2010 2:43 PM CST reply actions

Want to know what I think of Jimmy Graham?

Tell me where I can buy a #80 jersey, and i’ll vote with my wallet.

This guy has a future with the saints.

by ungarsfragile on Nov 8, 2010 2:53 PM CST reply actions

Looking at your sig...

I’d say you’re too emotional :). Nothing wrong with that cause I still get all mushy inside whenever Pierre Thomas or Lance Moore shine on Sundays. What can I say, I love underdogs. But you may want to hold on a bit longer to your wallet…

Playing third string is a lot different then being ask to catch as well as block, which is expected from your starting TE. Since I can’t tell for sure if Graham has that card in his deck or if he can be groom into it, I’ll hold my breath. If only someone would answer jeff.l.b’s question above (Where’s CP when you need him)…

Un Gars Fragile, a Cajun Couyon and a FrenchFreak (even Stu is giving it a shot once in a while)…Hey, let’s take over this place!

Repeat? Under construction...

by FrenchFreak on Nov 8, 2010 6:17 PM CST up reply actions

LOL it's a joke dating back to my football days..

I was the biggest 13 year old linebacker you ever met, then I broke my arm making a tackle and my mama wouldn’t sign the permission slips any more. The boys called me fragile after that =P

by ungarsfragile on Nov 8, 2010 9:27 PM CST up reply actions