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Michael Hoomanawanui, Josh Hill keeping blocking tight ends en vogue for Saints

Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. The offensive line. The threat of Drew Brees and the passing game. Fullback Zach Line.

When someone explains why the New Orleans Saints run game was so successful in 2017, these are typically the first things mentioned.

What frequently went overlooked, though, was the impact of tight ends Josh Hill and Michael Hoomanawanui, two of the top blocking-focused players at their position in the NFL.

Although the expectation last year was that Coby Fleener would be the Saints' top tight end, Hill and Hoomanawanui both played significant roles even before Fleener suffered his season-ending concussion in Week 12.