New blood - New Orleans Saints tight ends
 

Some may think that quarterback Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints has more than enough weapons surrounding him with a corps of wide receivers that could start for just abiout any team in the league. There are still more pieces to the puzzle though and the leader of the black and gold needs some big tight ends to take over the middle of the field, but he's got some younger hands for the upcoming season.

After checking out the wide receivers, it's time to look at the tight ends for the Saints as things are going to look a bit different on the ends in 2011. The ever-popular Jeremy Shockey was released and ended up signing with divisional rival Carolina. David Thomas is still around, but he's aging which means that a younger crowd is making their way in.

New blood - New Orleans Saints tight ends - New Orleans New Orleans Saints | Examiner.com

David Thomas is still a great guy to have around, Great hands, leadership skills and like it says in the article hes a great blocker, this includes when he plays the full back position.

Jimmy Graham is going to be the star, he's got a large role in the offense now that shockey is gone, he showed at the end of last season he was ready for it! this kid is special!

He turned 28 last week. That's aging?

If that's true....Good Lord I don't have much longer!:confused:

I hate the fact that we have to play against Shockey twice a year now. I can almost guarantee that he is going to punish our defense. We should have waited to let him go. I hope that I am wrong. Geaux Saints!!!!

Shockey has never stayed healthy enough to play anybody twice. We may see him for a series of downs... or two...

But I'm with ya, joker.

Alaska

Thomas keeps his feet and was much better than Shockey after the catch. Shockey seemed to be looking for a place to lay down after the catch. I hope he does OK in C-lina ... just not against us. We should be able to beat people 11 different ways and Graham/Thomas/Whoeverelse is going to be a big part of that. Payton has had up to six TE's on the roster at once. They make good ST cover guys with above average size, speed, and hands. I would "almost" guarantee a new veteran TE on the roster for more stability at that spot. If Graham and Thomas are healthy, and gutting teams in the middle, Brees is going to light it up, AGAIN.