TE Chris Manhertz studies film on Jimmy Graham

Ex-Saints practice squad TE Chris Manhertz studies film on Jimmy Graham, Gronk, others

Story and Video Interview

By Julie Boudwin, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
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on May 23, 2016 at 3:28 PM

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Former college basketball player turned tight end Chris Manhertz, who spent last season on the practice squad for the New Orleans Saints, took part in the team's rookie minicamp last weekend.

Manhertz is hoping his practice squad experience will help him crack the 53-man roster this season.

"The goal of mine is to show these coaches that I've improved since last year," he said at rookie minicamp. "Making the transition from basketball to football is not the easiest task, but my main goal is just getting better every day and showing these coaches that I'm improving."

Of course the Saints are familiar with another college basketball player who became an NFL tight end -- Jimmy Graham, and Manhertz studies film on Graham and other top tight ends in the league.

"I look at the top tight ends like Jordan Reed, Jimmy Graham, (Rob) Gronkowski, all those guys are good guys to model your game after," he said. "I spend a great deal (of time) watching them on film taking bits and pieces from their game and adding to mine."

Watch the video link above to hear more of what Manhertz had to say.

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