Is Robert Meachem Ready to Produce for the New Orleans Saints?

It's been a very disappointing start for receiver Robert Meachem in New Orleans so far. In Roberts first season on the team he didn't even find his way into the football field as he played in zero contests that season.

Last season, Meachem did show flashes when Marques Colston was out, with four touchdowns (one rushing) and a blistering hot 24.1 yards per catch! Unfortunately, he only had 12 catches on the season and couldn't be found on the field once Colston returned to the starting lineup.

This season, the Saints are expecting Robert to show the team why they drafted him as a first round pick a few seasons ago. If Meachem can't deliver this year, then his career with this organization is probably finished.

Turning the Corner

This year, Robert is much more comfortable with the offense and understanding what it takes to have success at the NFL level. In his rookie season, he was plagued by a knee injury and couldn't perform on the field as he wanted to.

Last year was more of a true rookie season for this young talent, as he was trying to figure out what it takes to have success as a receiver at the pro level.

In the offseason, Robert has been handed a true gift from Marques Colston and Lance Moore, as both receivers have have been limited by surgery. These two men being absent has left Meachem with an opportunity to work with the first team in OTA's now that camp has begun.

Drew Brees has been looking for Roberts way more as time has progressed, and the young receiver is now looking sharper in his route running. Brees has even come out and complimented the young receiver for his hard work in the offseason and how he is looking better all the time.


Will Meachem Produce in 2009?

Right now, unless Moore or Colston go down with injuries, Robert won't be a starter for this team. What I will be watching for is if he can win the No. 3 receiver spot on the team in camp this year.

If Meachem does in fact win that job, it shows that he has truly taken the next step toward becoming a fantasy relevant player in football.


Fantasy Football Information on Robert Meachem

Right now, Robert is not worth owning on a fantasy roster until he at least wins the No.3 job on the team. This is the most explosive passing offense in fantasy football and if Moore or Colston (who had micro-fracture knee surgery this offseason) should go down for awhile, then Meachem would move into the starting role.

If this talented player is truly ready to perform and gets a chance to start, then he will no doubt make a big impact in fantasy football leagues for the 2009 season. Many times it takes a receiver until that magical third year in their career to break out as a pro and I believe Robert can break out this year.

For now, keep Meachem as a name on your list of players worth picking up during the season. If he does well in spring games and wins the number three job, you might want to stash this player away in the late rounds of your fantasy football draft.

Fantasy Football Information Writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com