New Orleans Saints targeting Western Kentucky star Tyler Higbee?
The New Orleans Saints, who currently own six picks in the upcoming draft, worked out incoming rookie Tyler Higbee, Western Kentucky’s star tight end.
According to The Advocate, the Tyler Higbee’s workout took place this week. The New Orleans Saints signed three tight ends this offseason, adding Coby Fleener in free agency, while retaining Michael Hoomanawanui and Josh Hill after Benjamin Watson left to join the Baltimore Ravens. The Saints also still have Jack Tabb, Chris Manhertz, and RaShaun Allen.
The Saints worked out Western Kentucky tight end Tyler Higbee this week
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) April 6, 2016
Tyler Higbee, nicknamed “The Bulldozer”, enters NFL life as one of the top tight end prospects, projected to go in the third or fourth round of the upcoming draft. At 6-foot-6, 249 pounds, Higbee, a former wide receiver, is the ideal size for a tight end, while also possessing the big, soft hands, and athleticism to be a problem for defenses in the red zone.
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The New Orleans Saints could already be set at the tight end position, however, you can never have too many pass catchers for quarterback Drew Brees. In addition to excellent size, hands and athleticism, Higbee also displays good speed to work the seams and stretch the field, which makes him an ideal match with the Saints’ high-octane approach on offense.
While he was overshadowed by wide receivers Taywan Taylor and Jared Dangerfield, Tyler Higbee, a 2015 Conference USA First-team selection, still managed to finish his senior season in the high-powered Hilltoppers offense with 38 receptions for 563 yards and eight touchdowns, all career highs.
From WKUSports.com:
"2015 (r-Sr.): Higbee launched into the starting role as a senior as he appeared in nine games with eight starts and proved his versatility as a blocker and pass catcher, earning a midseason addition to the Biletnikoff Watch List. Higbee racked up a pair of 100-yard receiving games and four touchdowns through the first four games of the year and caught at least one touchdown in six of his nine games, catching two touchdowns against Miami (Ohio) and Marshall. Higbee was named the John Mackey Award Tight End of the Week following the season opener at Vanderbilt when he caught four passes for 102 yards – nearly half of WKU’s 209 yards through the air – and the go-ahead touchdown. It was Higbee’s 65-yard reception in the third quarterback, which he caught 15 yards down field and ran it down to the Vanderbilt four-yard line to setup WKU’s first score of the game, that proved to be his most valuable play."
The New Orleans Saints currently own six picks in the 2016 NFL Draft, which kicks off April 28. Could one of their selections be used for the former WKU star tight end?