Tight end Jimmy Graham said during organized team activities that this is the "hungriest I have ever been" entering a season.
Although Graham put up great numbers last season, 85 receptions for 982 yards and nine touchdowns, the stats weren't up to his goals, and the team's 7-9 record added to the sour taste from the 2012 season.
In just three seasons, Graham has become one of quarterback Drew Brees' favorite targets and one of the NFL's elite tight ends. In only 45 games with 25 starts, Graham has hauled in 215 catches for 2,648 yards with 25 touchdowns.
Graham recorded 184 receptions for 2,292 yards with 20 touchdowns the past two seasons, ranking him sixth in the NFL in receiving over that span, second at his position.
In 2012, he led the Saints in receiving for the second consecutive season, ranking third among NFL tight ends in receptions. Graham possesses explosive capabilities with 21 career catches of 25-plus yards.
Jimmy Graham (June 4, 2013):
"I'm a hungry player and this is probably the hungriest I've ever been to kind of right the wrongs of last year, prove what this team can do, and to maybe hush up some of the naysayers. For me, it's all work and doing as much as I can to be the best player I can."
Drew Brees (June 4, 2013):
"He was banged up quite a bit last year in his defense. He's had an offseason now to recover and be on the mend. He feels a lot better. He's juiced up and ready to go. It's great to see. He's like a kid out there a lot of times, running around and telling me to throw him the ball and he'll go get it for me, which is great to hear from a big tight end."
