Packers: Jimmy Graham in top 10 of NFL Mocks’ tight end rankings
Green Bay Packers tight end Jimmy Graham came in at No. 7 in NFL Spin Zone’s rankings for 2018.
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst recognized that he needed to find an upgrade at tight end this offseason. He turned to five-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Graham, who is still one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
George Stockburger of NFL Mocks ranked the top 10 tight ends in the league, and Graham was at No. 7 on the list.
A few seasons ago he would have been much higher. Here’s what Stockburger wrote about Graham:
"“All 10 of Graham’s touchdowns last year and 15 of his 18 with came within the 20-yard line.With the departure of Jordy Nelson, who caught five touchdowns in the red zone, Graham will be a major piece of the Packers offense next season.”"
Rob Gronkowski was unsurprisingly top of the list, with Travis Kelce at number two and Zach Ertz at three. Just a few years ago Graham would have been in contention for the number two spot behind Gronkowski.
Can Graham become a star in Green Bay’s offense? That’s the million dollar question for the 31-year old tight end.
Graham wasn’t the dominant player in Seattle that he was in New Orleans. Last year he had just 520 receiving yards, his lowest total since 2010. Despite that, he still hauled in an incredible 10 red zone touchdown passes. That’s good news for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
It will be interesting to see how Graham fits in Mike McCarthy’s offense. Can he get anywhere close to the production he had with the Saints? Considering the fact he put up 2,104 yards and 25 touchdowns in his final two seasons in New Orleans, I’m sure McCarthy would be pleased with numbers half as good.
Given his age, that might be wishful thinking.
But make no mistake about it, the Packers needed to sign a tight end like Graham, and he has the potential to make a huge impact in Packers News.
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How many yards and touchdowns do you think Graham will have this season? Is Graham still one of the best tight ends in the NFL?