Former Vol Wide Receivers In Need Of A Big Year

Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem (17) runs the ball against Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) and cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) during the second half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Meachem (1st round, 2007)

The first wide out is one of the greatest in Volunteer history. Robert Meachem currently ranks fourth in career receiving yards at UT with 2,140. Meachem’s success at Tennessee led him to be drafted 27th overall by the Saints in 2007.

His most successful seasons came from 2009-2011. He had at least 40 receptions in each of those seasons, and tallied a total of 20 TD’s. Not to mention he was part of the team that dethroned the beloved Peyton Manning in Super Bowl XLIV. Since 2011, however, Meachem did not take off like many thought he would. The former Vol was signed to a four-year contract in 2012 by the San Diego Charges to help fill the void that departing wide receiver Vincent Jackson left behind. He struggled with a 14 reception season in 15 games played; he was then cut by the Chargers.

Since being waived by San Diego, he has returned to the Saints, where he is coming off of a seven reception season that was partially hampered by an ankle injury.

Assuming Meachem makes the 53-man roster at the beginning of the season, he will need to get those numbers up. He’s a veteran in the league, which may keep him around a couple more seasons, but he is just simply not getting it done on the field. The Saints are seemingly nearing rebuilding mode. Quarterback Drew Brees is getting older, and with the willingness to trade a star like tight end Jimmy Graham away, the organization will likely not show sympathy for a veteran receiver.