New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham is a star

Jacksonville, Fla. - It's time to stop talking about Jimmy Graham's potential and start acknowledging his arrival. The future for the New Orleans Saints' second-year tight end is now. Right before our eyes he is blossoming into a bona-fide star.

If the NFL didn't know Graham's name after his 100-yard game against the Texans they undoubtedly do after his breakout performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Graham's 10-catch, 132-yard manifesto not only sent the Saints to their third consecutive victory, it sent reporters scrambling to the record books.

It's been a long time since a Saints tight end had as prolific a day. His career-high catch and yardage totals ranked among the best efforts in club history. In fact, only one Saints tight end has ever had a more productive day, and that came 31 years ago when Henry Childs had 144 yards in a 38-35 loss to the 49ers on Dec. 7, 1980.

It's been even longer since a Saints tight end recorded consecutive 100-yard receiving games. The only other time it was accomplished was 1979, when Childs had 121- and 117-yard games against the Seahawks and Falcons.

"He continues to get better every week," said quarterback Drew Brees, who threw for 351 yards. "Today, he got rolling."

Indeed, from the Saints' deep and talented corps of playmakers, Graham has emerged as Brees' primary receiver. On Sunday, Brees targeted him 14 times, double that of any other player.

The Jaguars had no answer for Graham. He was too fast for their linebackers and too big for their safeties. He beat linebacker Paul Posluszny down the middle seam of the Jaguars' Cover-2 defense for a 29-yard gain early in the fourth quarter. Later, he raced past linebacker Clint Session for a 59-yard catch and run.

You can count on your hand the number of 6-foot-6, 265-pound men with that kind of athletic ability.

"It's awesome," Graham said. "Being such a young player, and the confidence he (Brees) has in me. I'm getting more and more confident, but I'm still not as confident as he is in me right now. He's always talking to me, telling me you're a viable option on every play. Just know no matter where it is, I'm going to be looking at you."

When the Saints drafted Graham out of the University of Miami last year, Payton said he'd one day be considered one of the steals of the draft. Four tight ends were taken before the Saints called his name in third round with the 95th overall pick.

The 2010 class of tight ends was a stellar group that included Jermaine Gresham, Rob Gronkowski, Ed Dickson, Tony Moeaki and Aaron Hernandez. Graham has emerged as the best of the bunch.

His 24 catches trail only Dallas' Jason Witten (27) among NFL tight ends. His 367 receiving yards lead all tight ends and rank fifth overall.
"His upside is limitless," said John Gilmore, a 10-year veteran who has played with the likes of Greg Olsen, Kellen Winslow Jr. and Heath Miller. "This guy is a special athlete."

Graham is on pace for the best season by a tight end in Saints history. He's also on pace to become just the third Saints tight end to make the Pro Bowl. The exclusive fraternity consists of Childs (1979) and Hoby Brenner (1987).

Yet, you won't hear such talk from the humble and hard-working Graham. Teammates laud his attitude and he's too busy trying to improve his all-around skills to consider his place in the game.

But that doesn't mean he isn't enjoying every second of the ride.

"This is greatest time I've ever had in a sport," Graham said. "I'm just kind of figuring things out out there. I've got to keep moving forward and hopefully keep getting better."

Graham's considerable skills and considerate nature have quickly made him a fan favorite. Some have even started a campaign to grant him with a nickname commiserate with his ability. Even his teammates have joined the cause. So far, none has stuck among the long list of candidates, including Golden Graham, The Graham Reaper, Graham Cracker, Graham Slam, Money Graham and Gimme Graham.

Saints radio play-by-play man Jim Henderson even hit Graham with a couple of his own suggestions, including "Graham Funk Railroad," which sparked a big laugh from the red-headed big man.

"I haven't heard that one," Graham said. "It's too long. It's hard to put on a T-shirt."

Not to mention a Pro Bowl jersey.


(nola.com)