Josh Hill

Hill secured a three-year extension in December and then saw fellow tight end Benjamin Watson leave in free agency, but that doesn't ensure the 29-year-old will be in line for a major uptick in his workload in 2019. For one, the Saints upgraded from Watson by bringing aboard Jared Cook, who could be earmarked for a Jimmy Graham-esque role in New Orleans after racking up 896 receiving yards and six scores with the Raiders last season. Additionally, Hill's snaps may be threatened by the late-season emergence of converted wideout Dan Arnold, who could see his opportunities increase after a second offseason dedicated to training at the new position. Hill's chances of staying on the field are at least buoyed by his status as the most accomplished blocker among the Saints' top three tight ends, but that distinction doesn't portend a major splash in the fantasy realm.

Technically the starter at tight end most of last season, Hill managed just 125 yards and one touchdown on 16 receptions, despite appearing in every game. Although the receptions total tied a career high, the former undrafted free agent has not topped 176 yards or five touchdowns in any of his previous five seasons. With the return of veteran tight end Benjamin Watson to New Orleans, Hill will again likely have only minimal value in most fantasy leagues.

In addition to a broken leg that ended his season prematurely, Hill was also sidelined early in the year with a sprained ankle. In all, the tight end appeared in only nine games in 2016, finishing with 15 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown. While his overall numbers were underwhelming, Hill, a versatile blocker and occasional pass catcher, quietly become a key member of the Saints offense in his fourth season. In fact, he was playing about 66 percent of New Orleans' offensive snaps in the seven games before he suffered the season-ending injury -- a likely contributing factor to fellow tight end Coby Fleener's disappointing first year in the Big Easy. Assuming Hill is at full strength, he should again see significant playing time for the Saints while splitting snaps with Fleener.

With the trade of Jimmy Graham to Seattle, Hill was a popular sleeper candidate last season, but the 2015 campaign was a largely disappointing one for the former undrafted free agent out of Idaho State, as he managed only 16 receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Still, the Saints surprisingly matched the three-year offer sheet Hill signed with the Bears earlier this offseason. At 6-5, 250 pounds, Hill runs a 4.66 40-yard dash and is an impressive athletic specimen, but with the Saints signing Coby Fleener this spring, Hill's upside is likely limited absent an injury.

An undrafted rookie out of Idaho State two years ago, Hill will have an expanded role this season following Jimmy Graham's trade to Seattle. Of course, expecting Hill to fill the massive hole Graham leaves behind is unwise, but Hill has the size, speed and skills that portend excellent upside in one of the league's best passing offenses. At 6-5, 250, Hill runs a 4.66 40 with a 36.5-inch vertical. He's shown great athleticism as a special teams standout and soft hands when given the chance. Although he only had 14 receptions last year (on 20 targets), five went for touchdowns. It also doesn't hurt that coach Sean Payton was so effusive in his praise of Hill this offseason. Clearly, the Saints, who also traded wideout Kenny Stills, are counting on Hill to make an impact. The aging Ben Watson also will be used in the passing game but could be largely relegated to blocking if Hill emerges as a playmaker according to plan.

Hill is an intriguing talent as a pass-catching tight end but with both Jimmy Graham and Ben Watson in front of him on the depth chart, Hill faces an uphill battle for playing time with the Saints.

Hill will play as the Saints third tight end behind Jimmy Graham and Ben Watson, however, he holds little fantasy value absent injuries to the starters.