Eric Johnson

Johnson comes to a team that used a committee of tight ends, none of which has Johnson’s pass-catching ability (82 catches in 2004). It’s a position that coach Sean Payton plans to use more in 2007 – the five-man committee was targeted in the red zone just 12 times last year. With Johnson and the selection of WR Robert Meachem in the first round, the Saints are looking to give Drew Brees more options in the passing game.

Without Johnson in 2005, the 49ers got painfully little from the tight end position (20 catches and 158 yards). Johnson missed last season with a foot injury after setting a franchise record for tight ends with 82 receptions in 2004. The selection of Vernon Davis in the first round was an eye opener for Johnson, but it’s possible they will be the two of the three best targets for QB Alex Smith. Davis will be split out wide, too, and both he and Johnson are expected to be on the field at the same time.

Johnson returned in 2004 after missing all of 2003 and posted career highs in everything except touchdowns. The low touchdown total is understandable given San Francisco ranked 30th in points scored, but the catches and receiving yards (82-825) were a pleasant surprise. After a strong start, Johnson tailed off toward season’s end. In five of the last seven games, he finished with less than 30 yards, largely because defenses double-teamed him, recognizing he was the team’s only credible receiving threat. The offense figures to stagger again this season, whether led by incumbent Tim Rattay (coming off foot injury) or rookie Alex Smith, but Johnson figures to remain a decent fantasy option.

Despite missing all of last season with a collarbone injury, Johnson was signed to a three-year deal in the offseason and will start at tight end for the 49ers. In two seasons, Johnson has 76 receptions for 683 yards with three touchdowns. There is a degree of uncertainty on the offense with a new quarterback (Tim Rattay) and the departure of WRs Terrell Owens and Tai Streets.

Bothered by a back injury that limited him to just 10 starts in 2002, Johnson hit the three-catches-per-game standard for a valuable fantasy tight end, catching 36 passes for 321 yards with no scores in 12 games. However, Johnson caught 29 passes in the final three games of the regular season and two playoff games, gaining more than 60 yards in three of those. The 49ers are a good offensive team, and Johnson will certainly increase his numbers if healthy. If the 49ers open up the offense and throw the ball deep this year as desired by coach Dennis Erickson, Johnson would be the beneficiary of the opened middle of the field.