Graham, Daniel: Value Notes

Donnybrook 5/5/07: Hard to believe that Denver would pay Graham that kind of money just to block. I would rank him higher than all of your tier 3 players.

Sons of the Tundra 5/6/07: He was rarely startable in New England, so why do you assume he would be now that he's splitting the position with Scheffler -- who looked awfully good once Cutler took over later in the year?

It's pretty clear to me that Graham is far superior as a blocker, and Scheffler is a much better receiver. I think that's how they'll be used for the most part, and I don't see Graham putting up more than 250 or 300 yards in a season going forward.

Do you think the Broncos have made the decision to banish Scheffler to the end of the bench after the impressive showing he had to close out the season? I just don't believe that. I think the Broncos will use the two players in a way that will maximize both of their strengths.

Donnybrook 5/7/07: I suspect if Graham doesn't get the ball, he won't be happy. He signed with Denver with the understanding that he will get the ball more.

"Coming into the free-agent market, that was my No. 1 concern -- just how I would be utilized in the offense," Graham said.

Sons of the Tundra 5/7/07: And you believe Shanny? Why would the Broncos bring Graham on? For blocking. Paying lip service to his role in the passing game is just part of the wooing process.

Like I said, I'll be shocked if he's going over 250 to 300 yards with any regularity the next few seasons. I don't see how you spend a 2nd round draft choice on a talented young pass catcher like Scheffler, watch him play very impressively down the stretch and show a good rapport with Cutler, and then shove him aside a year later to start passing to a guy who is best known for blocking abilities.

Sometimes you have to read through the lines in fantasy football. This is one of those times.

Donnybrook 5/7/07: I think you are seriously under estimating Graham receiving abilities. I will leave it at that. We can revisit this in December.

Sons of the Tundra 5/7/07: I know Graham can catch the ball. That's not the problem. The problems are two-fold:

1. He may well be THE pre-eminent full time blocking tight end in the league.
2. Again, he's being paired with a guy who is a better receiver and playmaker than he is.

You still haven't addressed Scheffler. Do you really believe they're going to banish him to the bench?

Donnybrook 5/7/07: Umm....No. Never ever said that. Do I think that Graham will be splitting time with him? Yes. Will they will be used in 2 TE sets often? Yes. Do I think that Graham could put up better numbers than Scheffler as the highest paid TE in the NFL? Yes.

Sons of the Tundra 5/7/07: Fair enough. We just see things shaking out differently.