Saints Should Snag These Pass Catchers in 5th Round

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Jesse James (18) during the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

Jesse James, Penn State

Not saying he is Jimmy Graham but at 6’7″, 262 lbs. James certainly has the size to match up with him.

While at his Pro Day James posted a very respectable 4.66 40-yard dash while blowing the numbers up for his position group at the Scouting Combine:  26 reps on bench press, 37.5 inch vertical, and 121 inch broad jump.

While James is said to need work on his run blocking and tweaking his route running, he is complimented on his awareness to work his way open for a quarterback.

He is definitely a sure pass catching tight end who would be a huge target for Drew Brees if they select him.

His final year at Penn State, James set a school record by a tight end with 11 touchdown receptions.

In a scouting report for James, analyst Mike Detillier compared him to Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar who I had eyed for the Saints coming out of San Diego State in 2013.

With the right coaching, James could be that eventual replacement for Graham at tight end.

Next: Saints Finally Draft Brees' Replacement: Garrett Grayson