Lance Moore

The Steelers have traditionally gotten the most out of undersized receivers like Moore, so leaving the high-octane Saints isn't necessarily a bad thing for his production, but Pittsburgh's willingness to break their own mold by drafting the 6-4 Martavis Bryant this year could be bad news for the smurfs on the roster. If Moore finds himself fighting second-year receiver Markus Wheaton for snaps rather than settling into a starting role opposite Antonio Brown, another low-target disappointment of a season will be the result.

Moore averaged 10.0 YPT (3rd) and 16.0 YPC (6th) for the league's most prolific passing offense, but wound up with only six touchdowns and 1,041 yards due to the team's tendency to spread the ball around. At 5-9, 177, Moore is quick, athletic and sure-handed, and actually sees more red-zone looks (15) than most receivers his size, but that's due mostly to the Saints throwing so often in that area (103 times, 1st). In fact, Moore was third on his own team behind Marques Colston (23) and tight end Jimmy Graham (17). Moore heads into the season as the team's No. 2 wideout opposite Colston, and given the lack of established options beyond them, is assured a significant role. But Graham (135 targets) and running backs Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas (167 combined targets) will also be involved, and it's likely a third wideout like Joseph Morgan, Nick Toon or rookie Kenny Stills emerges at some point, too.

Groin and hamstring injuries cost Moore two games last year, but when healthy he played his usual role – catching short passes, both between the 20s and in the red zone. At 5-9, 177, Moore isn’t your prototypical red-zone receiver, but he’s athletic for his size, has sure hands and is very quick in and out of his breaks. Most importantly Drew Brees trusts him, and the Saints call his number from in close – 16 red-zone targets, seven looks from inside the 10, resulting in eight scores for the second year in a row. Robert Meachem is gone, but Marques Colston was re-signed, and Darren Sproles is certain to reprise a large role in the underneath passing game, so don’t expect a huge uptick in targets.

The Saints’ No. 2 target after Marques Colston, Moore was efficient (8.0 yards per target, 69% catch rate) and productive (66 catches, 763 yards) in a possession role. Despite his 5-9, 177-pound frame, Moore was actually one of the team's go-to targets in the red zone (tied for 3rd) – hence the eight scores - and is arguably quarterback Drew Brees' most trusted target. Moore isn't a burner, but he's a fantastic athlete with sure hands and is very quick in and out of his breaks. Keep in mind though that a significant portion of his production came while Reggie Bush was sidelined, including six of his eight scores. With newest Saint Darren Sproles likely to imitate Bush's role, Moore may struggle to match last year's success, particularly in terms of touchdowns.

Moore is something of an enigma this year. Having spent most of last year on the sidelines with various injuries and with three wide receivers technically ahead of him on the depth chart, many view Moore as a fantasy afterthought. However, it was a mere two years ago that Moore caught 79 passes for ten touchdowns and nearly 1000 yards. In the Saints explosive offense, Moore, now healthy, will likely serve as a slot receiver and makes for a nice sleeper pick.

With Marques Colston missing six games early in the season, the 5-9, 180-pound Moore, a former undrafted free-agent, was the most heavily targeted player on the second most prolific passing offense in NFL history. Impressive as that sounds, the Saints spread the ball around a lot – to two running backs, multiple receivers and occasionally the tight end. And while Moore wound up with 119 targets (tied 22nd), he averaged just 7.8 yards on those looks and didn’t even break 1,000 yards. That said, Colston’s return didn’t hurt Moore’s production as eight of Moore’s 10 scores were during games when Colston was active, as were two of his three 100-yard games. Moore also benefited from 25 red-zone looks (4th), five of which he converted for scores, but wasn’t a big threat from long range (just eight catches of 20-plus and two of 40-plus). Heading into 2009, Moore should again be in the mix. His quickness and acceleration allow him to get open on shorter routes a la Wes Welker, and he gets up to top speed quickly. Should Colston, Jeremy Shockey and Reggie Bush all stay healthy, we’d expect Moore’s role to shrink appreciably, though chances are at least one of them will miss time. At press time, Moore was recovering from shoulder surgery, but is expected to return sometime in training camp.

Moore ranked third amongst Saints receivers in receptions last season, hauling in 32 receptions for 302 yards and two touchdowns. Nevertheless, Moore finds himself among a crowded group of Saints receivers battling for a roster spot, including Devery Henderson, Adrian Arrington, and Terrance Copper. Moore has some value to the team as a return man, but depending on how he performs in training camp, it's possible he won't be on the Saints' final 53-man roster.