Taylor

Mehlhaff

Mehlhaff has shown little since the Saints drafted him in the sixth round two Aprils ago. He was just a camp leg behind accurate starter Ryan Longwell.

Draft picks usually have the inside track on kicking jobs, but Gramatica is reliable and has been more consistent. Mehlhaff has three preseason games left to show he’s worth a roster spot. The first kicker drafted in April, it’s unlikely he’d clear waivers if they tried to get him on the practice squad.

If the race stays dead even heading to Saturday, tie probably goes to the rookie draft pick. Still, this isn’t a situation to invest in for fantasy yet.

Mehlhaff finished his college career as Wisconsin’s second all time leading scorer. He was first-team All America as a senior. Mehlhaff doesn’t have a monster leg, but he’s accurate and will benefit from playing in New Orleans’ dome. He’s a kicker to monitor with Nick Folk-like potential as a rookie.

Mehlhaff was the highest kicker drafted in April and could draw interest, but he’s not outstanding on kickoffs. Martin Gramatica won’t have ideal job security, but is a decent fantasy option kicking in a dome on a good offense.

Martin Gramatica won’t be handed anything. Kickers that are drafted usually become the heavy favorites to start unless they’re complete busts like Justin Medlock. In a Saints offense that should bounce back in 2008, Mehlhaff has some Nick Folk fantasy potential. He’ll be kicking in a comfortable dome.

Mehlhaff’s missed extra point Sunday cost him a job. The Saints have not announced a replacement, but they have a bye week to figure things out. Perhaps they’re hoping the Giants turn back to Lawrence Tynes and release long-time Saint John Carney.

Mehlhaff says he was told by the Saints that Martin Gramatica will be released. The rookie sixth-rounder should begin taking over kicking duties this Sunday against the Raiders, and he’s worth grabbing in a high-scoring offense.

Martin Gramatica went on injured reserve with his bum groin; he wasn’t cut as Mehlhaff told a South Dakota paper he would be. Mehlhaff was solid in the preseason and will be kicking in a dome on a high-octane offense.

Mehlhaff, who flopped with the Saints after being drafted last April, will serve as a camp leg behind entrenched starter Ryan Longwell in the offseason.