The Green Bay Packers made a big splash last offseason when they acquired tight end Jimmy Graham. Many expected monster numbers from their newest addition to the offense, but were left disappointed. However, the numbers weren't as bad as you might think you remember.
Graham is still an elite talent at the tight end position. He's coming off a pretty decent year and will now be more familiar with the Green Bay offense and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
With all that in mind, what's going to happen this year? Here are three way-too-early bold predictions for Jimmy Graham for the 2019 season.
3. Most Receptions Since 2014
Despite the “disappointing” season, a lot of Jimmy Graham's numbers were actually pretty on-par with recent years.
In season one with the Green Bay Packers, Graham racked up 55 receptions. That's just two less than he had the previous year with the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, it's 10 off his 2016 total and actually two more than his 2015 season.
2014 was the last time Graham truly had a dominant season when it came to receptions – reeling in 85 catches.
To have his most receptions since that season, Graham would just need to add 11 extra catches from this last season to the upcoming one.
That's really not a tall-task at all. Especially considering 2018 should be seen as a “get to know you” year. It was his first season with the Packers. He'll now be more comfortable in the system and with Aaron Rodgers.
2. 1,000-Yard Season
Jimmy Graham's only posted two 1,000-yard seasons in his career, and hasn't done so since 2013.
However, he should be featured more in the Packers offense this year. He's also one of the most versatile and athletic tight ends in football.
This means he has a lot of flexibility in the offense. He can run short routes and get extra yards after the catch better than most other tight ends. Or he could run deeper routes thanks to his fantastic combination of size, speed, and athleticism. Deep routes that other tight ends wouldn't be given the chance to run.
With that in mind, Graham should creep up to the 1,000-yard mark. He had 636 yards last season, 116 more than the previous year.
If he racks up more receptions in 2019, it only makes sense to believe the yards will climb rather nicely as well. 1,000 yards is definitely a tall task – it's a challenge Graham will be ready for though.
1. Still Won't Score A Lot of Touchdowns
So far, there's been a lot of hefty predictions. Jimmy Graham will have a much better second season with the Packers. He'll put up his best numbers in receptions and receiving yards in a long time.
There are strong arguments for it too. He's projecting up in those categories after last season. The “feeling out” process is also over. Now that Graham's been with Green Bay for a year, he'll be more comfortable with Aaron Rodgers – and Rodgers will be comfortable with him.
Despite all that though, Graham still won't score a lot of touchdowns. He had just two last season, following 10 the year before with Seattle.
This isn't a knock on Graham, and he'll definitely see that number rise from two. However, if you're expecting double-digit touchdowns to go along with his major improvements in the other two categories, you're sorely mistaken.
The problem here is that Rodgers already has one of the most dangerous red zone targets in football – Davante Adams.
Adams and Rodgers have an excellent rapport, and the receiver will definitely be the first option for the quarterback.
Due to that, Adams will be getting most of the looks in the red zone.
Now, Graham is still one of the better options when looking towards the end zone. With that in mind, he'll definitely get his fair share of touchdowns.
However, if you're expecting him to post his fifth season with 10-or-more touchdowns – you'll probably be disappointed.
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