Jimmy Graham: The most interesting TE in fantasy football
Heading into 2016 fantasy football draft time, theScore looks at the most intriguing option from each offensive position. This edition focuses on Seattle Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham.
2015 in review
In Graham's first season in Seattle, he posted his lowest across-the-board numbers since his 2010 rookie year with the Saints. With an injury cutting short his campaign after 11 games, Graham could only manage a 48-605-2 receiving line, well down from his usual production in New Orleans.
What makes him interesting?
With the Saints, Graham was one of the top offensive tight ends in the NFL, recording at least 85 receptions, 889 yards and nine TDs each season between 2011 and 2014. Injuries had also never been an issue, as Graham only missed two games in his New Orleans tenure.
Curiously, Seahawks QB Russell Wilson went on an extended stretch of passing dominance over the second half of the season - most of it without Graham, who was brought in to be Wilson's biggest weapon. Over the final seven weeks of 2016, Wilson threw 24 touchdowns to just one interception.
If Seattle shifts to a more pass-heavy focus now that RB Marshawn Lynch has retired, then Graham could possibly return to form, even though WR Doug Baldwin is unquestionably Wilson's favorite target. Baldwin caught 11 of those aforementioned 24 scores from Wilson, and set career highs in receptions (78), yards (1,069) and TDs (14).
Essentially, the question that can be asked of Graham is whether he was ultimately a product of a favorable offensive environment in New Orleans. While he has undeniable size and talent, that didn't translate to statistical success in Seattle.
Graham's backup in 2013 and 2014, Benjamin Watson, recorded a 74-825-6 receiving line with New Orleans in 2015, setting career bests in receptions and yards. The 35-year-old Watson joined the Ravens this offseason, and the Saints signed ex-Colt Coby Fleener.
While Fleener has never topped 54 receptions, 774 yards or eight TDs in any of his four career seasons, he's more highly-regarded than both of his predecessors heading into 2016 fantasy drafts due to the Saints' system.
Draft outlook
Graham's fantasy stock has taken a massive hit in just one season - he's now projected as anywhere from the ninth to the 15th tight end taken in fantasy drafts, a far cry from his former 1A/1B status with New England's Rob Gronkowski.
He's now a fringe starter in standard 10- or 12-team leagues, and is a risk for anyone who banks on him as their team's lone tight end, especially with Seattle having an early bye in Week 5. That's not to say Graham can't improve on his first-year production as a Seahawk, but he's more of a lottery ticket than a sure thing.