2012 Team Outlook: New Orleans
WR Marques Colston, NO (WR - #21) - Solid/Safe Pick
Marques Colston has been remarkably consistent since being drafted by the Saints, and should continue to put up excellent fantasy numbers going forward. The Saints wide receiver is a virtual lock for somewhere around 75 catches, 1050 yards, and 8 touchdowns (if he is able to stay healthy). The emergence of Jimmy Graham did not hurt Colston's numbers in 2011, and should not cut into his production in 2012. Fantasy owners can count on Colston being a high end WR2, with even greater potential in the Saints' high powered passing offense.
WR Lance Moore, NO (WR - #41) - Quality Backup
If Lance Moore can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a nice WR3 or Flex option for fantasy owners this season. The sure handed receiver is a solid slot receiver, having caught at least eight touchdowns in three of the past four seasons. Moore should be able to amass somewhere around 60 catches for 800 yards and eight touchdowns this season as the Saints' slot receiver. Fantasy owners could do much worse for a WR3.
WR Nick Toon, NO - Dynasty Only
Rookie Nick Toon was drafted into a good fantasy spot with the New Orleans Saints, but he is unlikely to make much of a fantasy impact this season. The young receiver slipped to the bottom of the fourth round of the NFL draft, and should make a decent sleeper in dynasty leagues. Toon is buried on the Saints depth chart behind Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, Jimmy Graham, and Darren Sproles in terms of pass catching options; unless something drastic happens, he is unlikely to see the field much as a rookie.
Injury Status: Injured ReserveWR Devery Henderson, --- (WR - #69) - Deep-league Only
Devery Henderson will look to take the place of Robert Meachem, who signed with the San Diego Chargers this off-season. The talented yet inconsistent wide receiver has been a disappointment during his career with the Saints, and unless he is able to put it all together, he is unlikely to make much of a fantasy impact. Henderson also will face competition from rookie Nick Toon for playing time, making it even more unlikely that he will be worthy of a fantasy roster spot this season.
TE Jimmy Graham, NO (TE - #1) - Stud (low risk)
Jimmy Graham is an absolute stud at the tight end position, and should be one of the first two tight ends off the board in fantasy drafts. The former college basketball player greatly surpassed his sleeper status last season, catching 99 passes for 1310 yards and 11 touchdowns. Graham is pretty much uncoverable in the red zone, and will put up double digit touchdowns again this season. Fantasy owners should be prepared to spend an early draft pick on the Saints tight end.
TE Dave Thomas, --- - Not Draft Worthy
David Thomas will likely backup Jimmy Graham this season, but will not be worthy of a pick in fantasy drafts. The little used tight end missed most of the 2011 season with an injury. Even if Graham were to go down with an injury, Thomas will likely not be targetted enough to make a major fantasy impact. Leave Thomas on the waiver wire in your fantasy league.
