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TE Eric Johnson, New Orleans Saints

HT: 6-3, WT: 256, Born: 9-15-1979, College: Yale, Drafted: Round 7

2008 Projections

Best Case

Eric Johnson turned in a fine 2007 campaign with 63 targets for 48/378/2 during the season - now that he has a full season in the New Orleans system under his belt, Johnson could conceivably get back to his mid-decade form in the Saint's high-octane offense (he posted 82/825/2 with San Francisco back in 2004). Johnson is definitely a TE worth considering if your fantasy league requires the TE position. The Saints throw the ball a ton, and he's got the skill set needed to excel as a pass-catching TE.

Worst Case

Johnson hasn't turned in a full slate of 16 games since 2004 (he missed all of 2005 due to an injury), and he's not a big threat in the red zone. During his last 3 seasons in the NFL, Johnson has scored 2 TDs in each campaign. If he suffers a nagging injury that dogs him all year long (or winds up on the IR due to a major problem), he'll be dead weight on a fantasy roster. Keep an eye on him to see how healthy he looks coming out of training camp before spending a pick on Johnson.

Outlook

Johnson looks poised to excel at his position this season - an appearance among the top 15 fantasy TEs is not out of the question for him given his talents and the plentiful opportunities for pass catchers in New Orleans.

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Johnson had three catches for 19 yards in the first half, but he became a frequent target in the second half. QB Drew Brees may have targeted him so much since Indianapolis did such a good job of taking away the Saints receivers and the deep ball, but Johnson led the team in catches, receiving yards, and targets in the game. This was a very promising start for Johnson.

Week 2 - Johnson was targeted five times, hauling in three passes for 18 yards.

Week 3 - Johnson was Brees' safety valve in this game, catching five of the six short passes thrown his way.

Week 5 - Johnson was the player Brees turned to in order to get the offense moving in the first half. He was the receiver on the first two attempts of the game and on a pass in the corner of the end zone when Brees had to throw the ball away due to coverage.

Week 6 - Johnson scored a touchdown in the Saints' three touchdown second quarter.

Week 7 - Johnson caught each of the passes intended for him and was the Saints leading receiver against the Falcons.

Week 8 - Johnson was not leaned on heavily, and was reliable when he needed to be. One of his chances was in the red zone: he was wide open but Brees overthrew him.

Week 9 - Johnson was targeted only during the first half, and used exclusively on short routes. Most of his receptions were in the middle of the field and he was not a factor in the red zone.

Week 10 - Johnson hauled in the final Saints' touchdown of the game. Both he and TE Billy Miller caught touchdowns for the Saints in their failed comeback attempt. The touchdown nearly let the Saints back into the game but the following onsides kick attempt failed.

Week 11 - Johnson had a game he would like to forget. The two targets he did not catch ricocheted off his hands and were intercepted. Although one of the passes was a little behind him, it was a catchable pass. He was not targeted after the second interception.

Week 12 - Johnson caught one pass for 19 yards that brought the ball down to the Carolina four yard line. Brees hit Billy Miller two plays later for the touchdown. The only other throw to Johnson was a four yard completion that got negated by a New Orleans holding call.

Week 13 - Johnson was targeted three times and finished with two receptions for 12 yards.

Week 14 - Johnson dropped an easy touchdown reception in the second quarter. He caught the other two balls thrown his way later in the game.

Week 17 - Johnson shared tight end stats in this game with Billy Miller, who also saw five targets. Seven passes and fifty one yards were gained between the two tight ends, who were frequently on the field at the same time with fullback Matt Karney on the sidelines and Pierre Thomas lined up in one back sets.