New Orleans Saints believe Josh Hill is a future star

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New Orleans Saints have more faith in Josh Hill than anyone else.


When the league year started last Tuesday, the New Orleans Saints shocked the world when they traded one of the best tight ends in the NFL in Jimmy Graham as well as a fourth-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for center Max Unger and a first-round pick.

The combination of Drew Brees and Graham has been one of the most explosive duos in the league over the past few years, but the trade was designed to add talent on defense through the draft. Now that Graham is a Seahawk, the Saints’ starting tight end will likely be Josh Hill, which is one player Sean Payton has raved about.

"“He’s exactly what we’re looking for,” said Payton with a wide grin, several months before the Graham trade. “Each week you know exactly what you’re gonna get. He’s talented, he can run, he’s young. He’s consistent. Those are things that allow you to win.” Payton also discussed Hill’s eye-opening Pro Day measurables."

Although Benjamin Watson is the veteran of the group, Hill has the makings of a tight end who is versatile enough to line up as an in-line tight end or on the outside as a flex. At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Hill is a bigger tight end. Many know him as a fantasy vulture, as his five touchdowns took away from Graham’s fantasy value and production.

Despite that, Hill is a player that could have success once the 2015 season begins. For starters, the Saints don’t have much talent on their offense and Brees has already worked with Hill. The tight end position is a vital part of Payton’s offense and if Hill does indeed win the starting job, he could very well become a top-tier fantasy option once the 2015 season gets underway.

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