Zachary Hilton (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

I"m not sure I buy into the Hilton hype AT ALL...

Not only is he not the nominal starter (Ernie Conwell is), we have no idea whether the new coaching staff thinks highly of him or whether he'll have chemistry with Brees.

But what really makes me wonder why there's so much Hilton-Hype is the fact that the Saints have: A) Signed Mark Campbell in free agency, B) Acquired Tim Euhus via Trade and C) Acquired Billy Miller in free agency.

There are now five viable tight ends competing for roster spots, with a new offensive system, QB and coaches...and Hilton has an ultra-limited history of productivity.

Why would you even think about drafting Hilton any earlier than the last round or two in as your TE2 in 10- and 12-team redrafts?

 

[Beaumont]

I"m not sure I buy into the Hilton hype AT ALL...

Not only is he not the nominal starter (Ernie Conwell is), we have no idea whether the new coaching staff thinks highly of him or whether he'll have chemistry with Brees.

But what really makes me wonder why there's so much Hilton-Hype is the fact that the Saints have: A) Signed Mark Campbell in free agency, B) Acquired Tim Euhus via Trade and C) Acquired Billy Miller in free agency.

There are now five viable tight ends competing for roster spots, with a new offensive system, QB and coaches...and Hilton has an ultra-limited history of productivity.

Why would you even think about drafting Hilton any earlier than the last round or two in as your TE2 in 10- and 12-team redrafts?

I totally agree. If you read Saints Report you will see that even Zach's dad does not think the Saits are sold on him ... yet ...

 

[StuntRock]

Saints just traded for another TE. Yes, clearly, this is Hilton's season to shine!

 

[diesel7982]

I"m not sure I buy into the Hilton hype AT ALL...

Not only is he not the nominal starter (Ernie Conwell is), we have no idea whether the new coaching staff thinks highly of him or whether he'll have chemistry with Brees.

But what really makes me wonder why there's so much Hilton-Hype is the fact that the Saints have: A) Signed Mark Campbell in free agency, B) Acquired Tim Euhus via Trade and C) Acquired Billy Miller in free agency.

There are now five viable tight ends competing for roster spots, with a new offensive system, QB and coaches...and Hilton has an ultra-limited history of productivity.

Why would you even think about drafting Hilton any earlier than the last round or two in as your TE2 in 10- and 12-team redrafts?

Jason, Interesting that you say this now. A month and a half ago, when I was the first to dismiss the Hilton hype on this board, I recieved this response from you:

Wow...Saints could deal Stallworth (allegedly on the market anyway) and a pick or two for Walker.

Brees

Horn

Walker

Deuce

Hilton

If that line plays well enough, Saints could have some mighty offensive punch

Hilton will be lucky to be more than the #3 TE...assuming he even makes the team.

Hey Diesel,I disagree. I see Hilton as the guy there in '06.

Just curious as to how you reconcile that, and what has changed to make you think differently.

 

[Bri]

Payton's had Shockey and Witten. I'm not convinced he likes the Saints TEs from what I've read. 100% gut reaction.

I think they just grabbed Billy Miller off the scrap heap too

 

[Jason Wood]

I"m not sure I buy into the Hilton hype AT ALL...

Not only is he not the nominal starter (Ernie Conwell is), we have no idea whether the new coaching staff thinks highly of him or whether he'll have chemistry with Brees.

But what really makes me wonder why there's so much Hilton-Hype is the fact that the Saints have: A) Signed Mark Campbell in free agency, B) Acquired Tim Euhus via Trade and C) Acquired Billy Miller in free agency.

There are now five viable tight ends competing for roster spots, with a new offensive system, QB and coaches...and Hilton has an ultra-limited history of productivity.

Why would you even think about drafting Hilton any earlier than the last round or two in as your TE2 in 10- and 12-team redrafts?

Jason, Interesting that you say this now. A month and a half ago, when I was the first to dismiss the Hilton hype on this board, I recieved this response from you:

Wow...Saints could deal Stallworth (allegedly on the market anyway) and a pick or two for Walker.

Brees

Horn

Walker

Deuce

Hilton

If that line plays well enough, Saints could have some mighty offensive punch

Hilton will be lucky to be more than the #3 TE...assuming he even makes the team.

Hey Diesel,I disagree. I see Hilton as the guy there in '06.

Just curious as to how you reconcile that, and what has changed to make you think differently.

1) The addition of Billy Miller

2) The trade for Tim Euhus

3) A detailed workthrough of my 2006 projections

A lot has changed since Hilton was signed to a new deal and the boards started talking him up as a sleeper...

 

[FUBAR]

1) The addition of Billy Miller

2) The trade for Tim Euhus

3) A detailed workthrough of my 2006 projections

A lot has changed since Hilton was signed to a new deal and the boards started talking him up as a sleeper...

Ah yes, Euhus with 14 receptions in his career, who Buffalo gave up on, and Billy Miller, who back in 2002/2003 was actually a decent player.There is a ton of risk with Hilton, but he has the best chance of any of them to be a top FF TE. The hype seems overboard, which is why he is no longer a sleeper. He might be a top 10 TE, he might be a free agent, most likely somewher in the middle. this will be interesting.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I'm big on ZH, that's no secret.

Sure there are more proven commodities out there, but with ZH at an ADP around 200, he's a 15th round steal IMHO.

He has the potential if he produces like he did in the 2nd half last year to put up Top 5-10 TE numbers. Who else in the 15th round at TE can do that?

Kinney is the only other I see with that sort of potential.

ZH probably shouldn't be your #1 TE, but as your #2 he has tremendous upside. If you have a stud TE (Gates), I'd take ZH in Round 13-14 in a heartbeat.

 

[wannabee]

I'm big on ZH, that's no secret.

Sure there are more proven commodities out there, but with ZH at an ADP around 200, he's a 15th round steal IMHO.

He has the potential if he produces like he did in the 2nd half last year to put up Top 5-10 TE numbers. Who else in the 15th round at TE can do that?

Kinney is the only other I see with that sort of potential.

ZH probably shouldn't be your #1 TE, but as your #2 he has tremendous upside. If you have a stud TE (Gates), I'd take ZH in Round 13-14 in a heartbeat.

That sounds familiar .....

 

[diesel7982]

I"m not sure I buy into the Hilton hype AT ALL...

Not only is he not the nominal starter (Ernie Conwell is), we have no idea whether the new coaching staff thinks highly of him or whether he'll have chemistry with Brees.

But what really makes me wonder why there's so much Hilton-Hype is the fact that the Saints have: A) Signed Mark Campbell in free agency, B) Acquired Tim Euhus via Trade and C) Acquired Billy Miller in free agency.

There are now five viable tight ends competing for roster spots, with a new offensive system, QB and coaches...and Hilton has an ultra-limited history of productivity.

Why would you even think about drafting Hilton any earlier than the last round or two in as your TE2 in 10- and 12-team redrafts?

Jason, Interesting that you say this now. A month and a half ago, when I was the first to dismiss the Hilton hype on this board, I recieved this response from you:

Wow...Saints could deal Stallworth (allegedly on the market anyway) and a pick or two for Walker.

Brees

Horn

Walker

Deuce

Hilton

If that line plays well enough, Saints could have some mighty offensive punch

Hilton will be lucky to be more than the #3 TE...assuming he even makes the team.

Hey Diesel,I disagree. I see Hilton as the guy there in '06.

Just curious as to how you reconcile that, and what has changed to make you think differently.

1) The addition of Billy Miller

2) The trade for Tim Euhus

3) A detailed workthrough of my 2006 projections

A lot has changed since Hilton was signed to a new deal and the boards started talking him up as a sleeper...

So the signing of Billy Miller and the trade for Tim Euhus has taken Zach Hilton from "Diesel, I think Hilton is the guy there" to "Im not sure I buy into the Hilton hype AT ALL"?I just find it curious, as what you wrote in this thread seems awfully similar to what I wrote about Hilton two months ago.

Edit to ask: So when you did a detailed workthrough of your projections, did you realize you weren't projecting Hilton to catch as many passes as Mark Campbell? I guess I just really dont understand point #3.

I guess I can buy that somehow, the Saints signing a guy who couldnt find a team in Miller, and trading for the TE-starved Bills #3 guy, could somehow take Hilton from being "the guy" to "why would you even think about drafting him", but how does doing your projections change who you think is "the guy" there?

Thats akin to saying Kevin Jones is the man in Detroit, but then running your projections and realizing you are projecting more carries and catches for Brian Calhoun, no?

 

[Jason Wood]

I"m not sure I buy into the Hilton hype AT ALL...

Not only is he not the nominal starter (Ernie Conwell is), we have no idea whether the new coaching staff thinks highly of him or whether he'll have chemistry with Brees.

But what really makes me wonder why there's so much Hilton-Hype is the fact that the Saints have: A) Signed Mark Campbell in free agency, B) Acquired Tim Euhus via Trade and C) Acquired Billy Miller in free agency.

There are now five viable tight ends competing for roster spots, with a new offensive system, QB and coaches...and Hilton has an ultra-limited history of productivity.

Why would you even think about drafting Hilton any earlier than the last round or two in as your TE2 in 10- and 12-team redrafts?

Jason, Interesting that you say this now. A month and a half ago, when I was the first to dismiss the Hilton hype on this board, I recieved this response from you:

Wow...Saints could deal Stallworth (allegedly on the market anyway) and a pick or two for Walker.

Brees

Horn

Walker

Deuce

Hilton

If that line plays well enough, Saints could have some mighty offensive punch

Hilton will be lucky to be more than the #3 TE...assuming he even makes the team.

Hey Diesel,I disagree. I see Hilton as the guy there in '06.

Just curious as to how you reconcile that, and what has changed to make you think differently.

1) The addition of Billy Miller

2) The trade for Tim Euhus

3) A detailed workthrough of my 2006 projections

A lot has changed since Hilton was signed to a new deal and the boards started talking him up as a sleeper...

So the signing of Billy Miller and the trade for Tim Euhus has taken Zach Hilton from "Diesel, I think Hilton is the guy there" to "Im not sure I buy into the Hilton hype AT ALL"?I just find it curious, as what you wrote in this thread seems awfully similar to what I wrote about Hilton two months ago.

Edit to ask: So when you did a detailed workthrough of your projections, did you realize you weren't projecting Hilton to catch as many passes as Mark Campbell? I guess I just really dont understand point #3.

I guess I can buy that somehow, the Saints signing a guy who couldnt find a team in Miller, and trading for the TE-starved Bills #3 guy, could somehow take Hilton from being "the guy" to "why would you even think about drafting him", but how does doing your projections change who you think is "the guy" there?

Thats akin to saying Kevin Jones is the man in Detroit, but then running your projections and realizing you are projecting more carries and catches for Brian Calhoun, no?

Hey diesel,Sorry you have trouble wrapping your arms around it, but I'm just being honest. When you have your rankings out there for all to see (and my projections this year as well), you have to be willing to a) accept criticism and b) alter your views when someone makes a compelling argument against current expectations.

Frankly, how i view many players in April or May is going to differ greatly than how I view them today and CERTAINTLY how I view them once camps unfold. In Hilton, it seems he's being pegged by a lot of folks as a fantasy sleeper and I'm just not sure I see that.

Yes, the Billy Miller and Tim Euhus acquisitions are hardly Earth-shattering. But COMBINED with Mark Campbell (who was already signed per our last chat) and then going through the coaching aspects (as you may know, I did a coaching changes and philosophy article for the magazine), it just seems that Hilton is as much BUST as BOOM. Not saying he won't a) be the starter in NO or b) be a decent fantasy TE2, but I don't think anyone should be in a hurry to pay up for that potential.

It appears as though you were on point with Hilton several months ago, ahead of the pack. Kudos.

 

[diesel7982]

Just as a point of clarification, what are your current projections for the Saints TE position?

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Just traded away (dynasty)...

LJ SMITH

rookie pick #10

for

ZACH HILTON

SAMKON GADO

rookie pick #21

 

[diesel7982]

Just traded away (dynasty)...

LJ SMITH

rookie pick #10

for

ZACH HILTON

SAMKON GADO

rookie pick #21

Hope Gado pans out for you.

 

[diesel7982]

Just as a point of clarification, what are your current projections for the Saints TE position?

Bump for Woodrows input.

 

[Jason Wood]

Just as a point of clarification, what are your current projections for the Saints TE position?

Bump for Woodrows input.

Hey Diesel...
Z. Hilton -- 42 recs, 460 yards, 3 TDs
E. Conwell -- 10 recs, 105 yards, 0 TDs
M. Campbell -- 10 recs, 85 yards, 1 TDs
T. Euhus -- 2 recs, 20 yards, 0 TDs

 

[David Yudkin]

Since I haven't seen it discussed very much, does Brees prior success with Gates, limited arm strength, and recovery from injury factor in to anyone's opinion of Hilton? IMO, he thrived in SD running short routes and hitting Gates in the middle . . . might the coaching staff look to emulate that success?

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

From Joe's FBG email today:

NO - Saints' TE Hilton Turning The Corner?

Source: Chris Pika, NewOrleansSaints.com

Zach Hilton's 373 yards was seventh-best by any NFL tight end over the 2005 season's final nine weeks and his average of 11.7 yards per reception was sixth among TEs during that timeframe.

"By the end of the season, I was somewhat of a go-to guy," he said. "They were throwing to me in the two-minute, third down and red zone situations. They put in plays specifically for me by the end of the year. I think I was a reliable target on the team."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Zach Hilton is one of those guy flying well below the radar for many owners. He might not be for long though. He finished strong and looks like he's turning the corner. The Saints have obtained Mark Campbell from Buffalo but he hasn't caught many passes the last few years. Hilton could be a nice value in the later rounds.

LINK

 

[Slinger]

From the Sporting News that I received in the mail earlier today:

SAINTS' Zach Hilton (6-8, 268) is a big, pass-catching tight end who is developing his blocking skills. He could become a favorite target of QB Drew Brees, who developed a rapport with TE Antonio Gates in San Diego.

 

[Bri]

From Joe's FBG email today:

NO - Saints' TE Hilton Turning The Corner?

Source: Chris Pika, NewOrleansSaints.com

Zach Hilton's 373 yards was seventh-best by any NFL tight end over the 2005 season's final nine weeks and his average of 11.7 yards per reception was sixth among TEs during that timeframe.

"By the end of the season, I was somewhat of a go-to guy," he said. "They were throwing to me in the two-minute, third down and red zone situations. They put in plays specifically for me by the end of the year. I think I was a reliable target on the team."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Zach Hilton is one of those guy flying well below the radar for many owners. He might not be for long though. He finished strong and looks like he's turning the corner. The Saints have obtained Mark Campbell from Buffalo but he hasn't caught many passes the last few years. Hilton could be a nice value in the later rounds.

LINK

they also have dan campbell who is an h-back type that played with Payton in NY and DAL

 

[diesel7982]

From Joe's FBG email today:

NO - Saints' TE Hilton Turning The Corner?

Source: Chris Pika, NewOrleansSaints.com

Zach Hilton's 373 yards was seventh-best by any NFL tight end over the 2005 season's final nine weeks and his average of 11.7 yards per reception was sixth among TEs during that timeframe.

"By the end of the season, I was somewhat of a go-to guy," he said. "They were throwing to me in the two-minute, third down and red zone situations. They put in plays specifically for me by the end of the year. I think I was a reliable target on the team."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Zach Hilton is one of those guy flying well below the radar for many owners. He might not be for long though. He finished strong and looks like he's turning the corner. The Saints have obtained Mark Campbell from Buffalo but he hasn't caught many passes the last few years. Hilton could be a nice value in the later rounds.

LINK

they also have dan campbell who is an h-back type that played with Payton in NY and DAL

Hes a Lion.

 

[-OZ-]

From Joe's FBG email today:

NO - Saints' TE Hilton Turning The Corner?

Source: Chris Pika, NewOrleansSaints.com

Zach Hilton's 373 yards was seventh-best by any NFL tight end over the 2005 season's final nine weeks and his average of 11.7 yards per reception was sixth among TEs during that timeframe.

"By the end of the season, I was somewhat of a go-to guy," he said. "They were throwing to me in the two-minute, third down and red zone situations. They put in plays specifically for me by the end of the year. I think I was a reliable target on the team."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Zach Hilton is one of those guy flying well below the radar for many owners. He might not be for long though. He finished strong and looks like he's turning the corner. The Saints have obtained Mark Campbell from Buffalo but he hasn't caught many passes the last few years. Hilton could be a nice value in the later rounds.

LINK

they also have dan campbell who is an h-back type that played with Payton in NY and DAL

Hes a Lion.

Mark is a Saint. The guy who was a Brown and a Bill.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

From the Sporting News that I received in the mail earlier today:

SAINTS' Zach Hilton (6-8, 268) is a big, pass-catching tight end who is developing his blocking skills. He could become a favorite target of QB Drew Brees, who developed a rapport with TE Antonio Gates in San Diego.

Did I get credited for that?

 

[Slinger]

From the Sporting News that I received in the mail earlier today:

SAINTS' Zach Hilton (6-8, 268) is a big, pass-catching tight end who is developing his blocking skills.  He could become a favorite target of QB Drew Brees, who developed a rapport with TE Antonio Gates in San Diego.

Did I get credited for that?

Nope, but apparently some guy named Kevin Acee did.

 

[Bri]

From Joe's FBG email today:

NO - Saints' TE Hilton Turning The Corner?

Source: Chris Pika, NewOrleansSaints.com

Zach Hilton's 373 yards was seventh-best by any NFL tight end over the 2005 season's final nine weeks and his average of 11.7 yards per reception was sixth among TEs during that timeframe.

"By the end of the season, I was somewhat of a go-to guy," he said. "They were throwing to me in the two-minute, third down and red zone situations. They put in plays specifically for me by the end of the year. I think I was a reliable target on the team."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Zach Hilton is one of those guy flying well below the radar for many owners. He might not be for long though. He finished strong and looks like he's turning the corner. The Saints have obtained Mark Campbell from Buffalo but he hasn't caught many passes the last few years. Hilton could be a nice value in the later rounds.

LINK

they also have dan campbell who is an h-back type that played with Payton in NY and DAL

Hes a Lion.

You sure? I thought he followed Payton there. Hmmmnope you are correct sorrybout that

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/133244

 

[Shiver44]

There is one things I look for, in a Fantasy TE.

1. No good Receivers to compete with

Examples: See Antonio Gates, Todd Heap, Tony Gonzalez and Alge Crumpler

If Horn doesn't make a comeback, I forsee good things for Hilton. He's a huge target for a short QB, which is another good thing. Although Reggie Bush will take most of the Dump Off passes. That being said; I do not see him as a top-7 TE, by any means. Fringe Top-10 if he is lucky.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

There is one things I look for, in a Fantasy TE.

1. No good Receivers to compete with

Examples: See Antonio Gates, Todd Heap, Tony Gonzalez and Alge Crumpler

If Horn doesn't make a comeback, I forsee good things for Hilton. He's a huge target for a short QB, which is another good thing. Although Reggie Bush will take most of the Dump Off passes. That being said; I do not see him as a top-7 TE, by any means. Fringe Top-10 if he is lucky.

I agree with you in principle - NO doesn't fit the profile of "all our WRs are bad (or at least all but 1)" - but Horn had his worst year ever last season and was plagued by leg injuries.IIRC, Stallworth has also had some leg issues.

I'm not saying to factor in a bad year for Horn AND a Stallworth injury (actually I hope the contrary) - but if one should falter, Hilton could quickly become Brees' new favorite target.

All that said - ZH's upside is Top 10, but he's best considered a sleeper TE2. I like him as one of the few TEs beyond the best 12-15 TEs out there that can attain TE1 status by year end.

 

[-OZ-]

There is one things I look for, in a Fantasy TE.

1. No good Receivers to compete with

Examples: See Antonio Gates, Todd Heap, Tony Gonzalez and Alge Crumpler

If Horn doesn't make a comeback, I forsee good things for Hilton. He's a huge target for a short QB, which is another good thing. Although Reggie Bush will take most of the Dump Off passes. That being said; I do not see him as a top-7 TE, by any means. Fringe Top-10 if he is lucky.

Yes, but Heap does not fit this requirement now.

 

[Shiver44]

Yes, but Heap does not fit this requirement now.

Which is why i'm not high on him in 2006.

 

[John Mamula]

I'm big on ZH, that's no secret.

Sure there are more proven commodities out there, but with ZH at an ADP around 200, he's a 15th round steal IMHO.

He has the potential if he produces like he did in the 2nd half last year to put up Top 5-10 TE numbers. Who else in the 15th round at TE can do that?

Kinney is the only other I see with that sort of potential.

ZH probably shouldn't be your #1 TE, but as your #2 he has tremendous upside. If you have a stud TE (Gates), I'd take ZH in Round 13-14 in a heartbeat.

If Hilton can crack the top 20 TE mark he'll be lucky.But I am loving the hype.

 

[diesel7982]

From Joe's FBG email today:

NO - Saints' TE Hilton Turning The Corner?

Source: Chris Pika, NewOrleansSaints.com

Zach Hilton's 373 yards was seventh-best by any NFL tight end over the 2005 season's final nine weeks and his average of 11.7 yards per reception was sixth among TEs during that timeframe.

"By the end of the season, I was somewhat of a go-to guy," he said. "They were throwing to me in the two-minute, third down and red zone situations. They put in plays specifically for me by the end of the year. I think I was a reliable target on the team."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Zach Hilton is one of those guy flying well below the radar for many owners. He might not be for long though. He finished strong and looks like he's turning the corner. The Saints have obtained Mark Campbell from Buffalo but he hasn't caught many passes the last few years. Hilton could be a nice value in the later rounds.

LINK

they also have dan campbell who is an h-back type that played with Payton in NY and DAL

Hes a Lion.

Mark is a Saint. The guy who was a Brown and a Bill.

Agreed, but thats not who we are talking about.

 

[MCG321]

There is one things I look for, in a Fantasy TE.

1. No good Receivers to compete with

Examples: See Antonio Gates, Todd Heap, Tony Gonzalez and Alge Crumpler

If Horn doesn't make a comeback, I forsee good things for Hilton. He's a huge target for a short QB, which is another good thing. Although Reggie Bush will take most of the Dump Off passes. That being said; I do not see him as a top-7 TE, by any means. Fringe Top-10 if he is lucky.

Helloooo LJ Smith!

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Good info. here

 

[Kleck]

Good info. here

Please don't bump "I told you so" crap. If you want to link to it in another thread, no problem. Everyone is wrong now and then. Everyone.