Marques Colston is on pace to have a Randy Moss-like rookie season&#33 (1 Viewer)

[Phlash]

Wow, I remember how after the first 4 weeks everyone was high on this guy, but I don't think anyone expected him to keep it up like this!

The guys on pace for 75/1319/14 approximately. If he reaches those numbers (doubtful, but he could get close) his stats will be almost paralell to Moss's (69/1313/17). Its interesting that he's considered a TE by most leagues (although its obvious now that he's a WR) because the guy has a 17.0 ypc average. If he strings together some more good games, he might do even better!

Another comparison (on size)

Moss: 6'4" 197 lbs

Colston: 6'4" 230 lbs

Colston definitely has the advantage in the size department; does anyone know what kind of injuries he suffered in college? He seems like he should be money in Dynasty formats if we can assume that he'll improve his game through his career.

 

[PsychoMan]

hmm i like colston, especially as a TE, but i like your avatar more

 

[wharf rat]

Its interesting that he's considered a TE by most leagues (although its obvious now that he's a WR) because the guy has a 17.0 ypc average.

most???

 

[GregR_2]

Its interesting that he's considered a TE by most leagues (although its obvious now that he's a WR) because the guy has a 17.0 ypc average.

most???

Yeah, I had the same reaction. I think he meant, "he's considered a TE by most leagues on crappy hosting sites that don't keep player positions consistent with NFL rosters and depth charts."

 

[corpcow]

Its interesting that he's considered a TE by most leagues (although its obvious now that he's a WR) because the guy has a 17.0 ypc average.

most???

Yeah, I had the same reaction. I think he meant, "he's considered a TE by most leagues on crappy hosting sites that don't keep player positions consistent with NFL rosters and depth charts."

Fanball changed it last week, but Yahoo still has him WR/TE. Yahoo has Michael Robinson WR/RB as well. They just don't seem to want to change it mid-season, with the idea that people drafted/picked up under a certain assumption.I can certainly see the argument for that, even if it's a little questionable end result

 

[Andrew]

He seems like he should be money in Dynasty formats if we can assume that he'll improve his game through his career.

That's a pretty big assumption. Maybe he's the next Michael Clayton instead.

 

[GregR_2]

Its interesting that he's considered a TE by most leagues (although its obvious now that he's a WR) because the guy has a 17.0 ypc average.

most???

Yeah, I had the same reaction. I think he meant, "he's considered a TE by most leagues on crappy hosting sites that don't keep player positions consistent with NFL rosters and depth charts."

Fanball changed it last week, but Yahoo still has him WR/TE. Yahoo has Michael Robinson WR/RB as well. They just don't seem to want to change it mid-season, with the idea that people drafted/picked up under a certain assumption.I can certainly see the argument for that, even if it's a little questionable end result

I can see the argument for having the functionality that a commish can change a player's position from the league default if the individual league's rules need it.Don't understand an argument that the default position shouldn't always match whatever official source they've chosen to go by, such as NFL.com or the team's website.

 

[JuniorNB]

Just waiting for the first knucklehead to make the brilliant statement, "If you take away his two fourth quarter touchdowns, he had an average game"

 

[PsychoMan]

Just waiting for the first knucklehead to make the brilliant statement, "If you take away his two fourth quarter touchdowns, he had an average game"

i think his 86 yarder earlier in the year came in the 4th quarter as well. he's been putting up big plays late in games.for some reason, i haven't seen a single highlight reel on tv show any of colston's touchdowns. anyone have links?

 

[Phlash]

Its interesting that he's considered a TE by most leagues (although its obvious now that he's a WR) because the guy has a 17.0 ypc average.

most???

Yeah, I had the same reaction. I think he meant, "he's considered a TE by most leagues on crappy hosting sites that don't keep player positions consistent with NFL rosters and depth charts."

Yes, that is what I meant... I just woke up when I made that thread so my head isn't all there yet.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Colston definitely has the advantage in the size department; does anyone know what kind of injuries he suffered in college?

He tore a ligament in his shoulder in 03, and reinjured the shoulder in preseason of 04, causing him to redshirt for the 04 season. While Colston does have good straight line speed, I dont think Randy Moss is a good comparison tools wise. His strength as a weapon in the passing game is the huge target he presents, a lanky, yet strong frame, and very good quicks for a guy his size. I would compare him more to a guy like Plaxico Burress than Randy Moss.

 

[derek19]

WR or TE. It doesn't matter. I'm just lovin it. I took him with the last pick in a dynasty draft!!!!!

 

[Phlash]

WR or TE. It doesn't matter. I'm just lovin it. I took him with the last pick in a dynasty draft!!!!!

Thats value.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

His TE status is very annoying.

I keep wondering if he's gonna hit the rookie wall, but he's been chugging along. Donte' Stallworth who?

 

[Tom Baker]

Just waiting for the first knucklehead to make the brilliant statement, "If you take away his two fourth quarter touchdowns, he had an average game"

i think his 86 yarder earlier in the year came in the 4th quarter as well. he's been putting up big plays late in games.for some reason, i haven't seen a single highlight reel on tv show any of colston's touchdowns. anyone have links?

They are too busy showing every routine five-yard catch by Bush. In fact, ESPN just showed Bush's twisted ankle play three times in their game highlights. No mention of Colston-- certainly no highlights . . .

 

[JuniorNB]

Just waiting for the first knucklehead to make the brilliant statement, "If you take away his two fourth quarter touchdowns, he had an average game"

i think his 86 yarder earlier in the year came in the 4th quarter as well. he's been putting up big plays late in games.for some reason, i haven't seen a single highlight reel on tv show any of colston's touchdowns. anyone have links?

They are too busy showing every routine five-yard catch by Bush. In fact, ESPN just showed Bush's twisted ankle play three times in their game highlights. No mention of Colston-- certainly no highlights . . .

Did anyone see how great Bush was on that sprained ankle play? Same with the interception.The interception had the tightest spiral of any interception by a rookie running back since the stat has been made official in the mid-sixties.As far as the ankle goes, Bush made a tremendous play in getting up and limping off. You could see Gale Sayers all mover him on that limp.

 

[baronson]

for some reason, i haven't seen a single highlight reel on tv show any of colston's touchdowns. anyone have links?

i'd also like to see some highlights.you know, if you're not into fantasy football, you may not even know who this guy is. ESPN gives this guy absolutely zero air play.

 

[Bwanna]

Just waiting for the first knucklehead to make the brilliant statement, "If you take away his two fourth quarter touchdowns, he had an average game"

i think his 86 yarder earlier in the year came in the 4th quarter as well. he's been putting up big plays late in games.for some reason, i haven't seen a single highlight reel on tv show any of colston's touchdowns. anyone have links?

Best I can find are on nfl.com:Week 4 toward the end of the game. What really caught my attention here was how he quickly separated from the DBs after the catch.

Week 8

 

[Sticks2u]

He seems special......I have watched MOSS dropped way to many passes over the last 2 games...does anyone know if he is a free agent after this year?

 

[Warhogs]

I am one who has not bought into Colston yet. I'm starting to wonder if his emergence might be similar to Anquan Boldin? Not highly regarded even after a great start. Will this guy emerge as a consistent top 15-20 type WR?

 

[jgb95]

WR or TE. It doesn't matter. I'm just lovin it. I took him with the last pick in a dynasty draft!!!!!

Same here!!!

 

[Tom Baker]

I am one who has not bought into Colston yet. I'm starting to wonder if his emergence might be similar to Anquan Boldin? Not highly regarded even after a great start. Will this guy emerge as a consistent top 15-20 type WR?

Well, the season is half over and the guy is on pace for 1300 yards and 14 TDs. And he's been putting up numbers against some pretty good defenses. Not sure what he has to do to prove himself at this point. Maybe change his last name to Bush . . .

 

[Bwanna]

Well, he certainly doesn't seem to have trouble catching the ball in traffic, and Brees doesn't seem to lack confidence throwing to him in traffic. I continue to be impressed even if alot of his points have come in garbage time.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I would compare him more to a guy like Plaxico Burress

Except Colston can catch, doesn't seem to be a prima donna(yet) and has been consistent so far. He's probably faster than skillet mitts, as well. They're both tall. I'll give you that.Owens is probably a "better" comparison, but its really far to early to be comparing him to anyone that's established. He's been very productive so far, and I guess that's all that matters.

 

[Tom Baker]

I would compare him more to a guy like Plaxico Burress

Except Colston can catch, doesn't seem to be a prima donna(yet) and has been consistent so far. He's probably faster than skillet mitts, as well.

Also, never seen Colston spike a live ball . . .

 

[Wingnut]

I showed this comparison a month ago in here, but nobody was buying it then.Can you tell which of these rookie WR numbers belong to Randy Moss after 4 games...and which belong to Marques Colston after 4 games?20 Receptions336 Yards3 Touchdowns17 Receptions273 Yards4 Touchdowns

How about after 7 games?33 receptions577 yards6 TDs17.5 YPC27 receptions541 yards6 TDs20 YPC

 

[helix]

Colston definitely has the advantage in the size department; does anyone know what kind of injuries he suffered in college?

He tore a ligament in his shoulder in 03, and reinjured the shoulder in preseason of 04, causing him to redshirt for the 04 season. While Colston does have good straight line speed, I dont think Randy Moss is a good comparison tools wise. His strength as a weapon in the passing game is the huge target he presents, a lanky, yet strong frame, and very good quicks for a guy his size. I would compare him more to a guy like Plaxico Burress than Randy Moss.

As we all know it is tough to compare rookies to all-pros, but his long TD catch looked a bit like TO to me. With that 6'4" frame and some speed, he could very well be a top WR for years to come.

 

[Marvelous]

Why was Colston a late (7th round, I think) draft pick?

Obviously there was something that scouts did not like about him.

Everyone knew Randy Moss was an athletic freak when he was drafted, but he had a lot of off the field baggage.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I think he's also been helped by the fact that the Saints have been throwing a lot at the end of games to catch up or make a score respectable. They're mostly a running team, so if they get ahead of someone, they'd prefer to run it. (I know, all non-Martz teams are like that, but NO is built for it).

He seems to be a player whose circumstance will dictate a performance. I don't feel comfortable saying he'll definitely "get his" like the elite WRs normally do, but if the team needs to get the ball down the field, he definitely has Brees' eye.

 

[guderian]

I think he's also been helped by the fact that the Saints have been throwing a lot at the end of games to catch up or make a score respectable. They're mostly a running team, so if they get ahead of someone, they'd prefer to run it. (I know, all non-Martz teams are like that, but NO is built for it).

He seems to be a player whose circumstance will dictate a performance. I don't feel comfortable saying he'll definitely "get his" like the elite WRs normally do, but if the team needs to get the ball down the field, he definitely has Brees' eye.

The Saints only have 2 losses.

 

[Tom Baker]

I think he's also been helped by the fact that the Saints have been throwing a lot at the end of games to catch up or make a score respectable. They're mostly a running team, so if they get ahead of someone, they'd prefer to run it. (I know, all non-Martz teams are like that, but NO is built for it). He seems to be a player whose circumstance will dictate a performance. I don't feel comfortable saying he'll definitely "get his" like the elite WRs normally do, but if the team needs to get the ball down the field, he definitely has Brees' eye.

This isn't accurate. Colston has been getting looks in all situations, including at the goal-line, where he appears to be a favorite target for Brees.ETA: It should also be pointed out that Colston has been quite consistent, scoring at least 9.7 yardage-league points in all but one game this year.

 

[s_ezy]

I think he's also been helped by the fact that the Saints have been throwing a lot at the end of games to catch up or make a score respectable. They're mostly a running team, so if they get ahead of someone, they'd prefer to run it. (I know, all non-Martz teams are like that, but NO is built for it).

He seems to be a player whose circumstance will dictate a performance. I don't feel comfortable saying he'll definitely "get his" like the elite WRs normally do, but if the team needs to get the ball down the field, he definitely has Brees' eye.

The Saints only have 2 losses.

NO vs GB was a shootoutNO vs Carolina was a close game

NO vs TB was a loss for NO until Bush took a Punt Return to the house

NO vs Phil high scoring game with Brees leading a drive for the game winning field goal in the waning seconds

 

[guderian]

1. Colston has great hands and uses his body well in traffic.

2. He has been a target in key plays--both in the red zone and on 3rd/4th down situations. This shows that the coaching staff and Brees has confidence in him.

3. He is frequently the WR in 1 WR sets in red zone situations.

By all accounts Colston has the talent and opportunity to succeed. The only negative on him is that the Saints' offense spreads the ball around. They went into the game with the Ravens knowing that Baltimore had an aggressive style and they wanted to capitalize by hitting on big plays. That, coupled with the fact that they were far behind for most of the game resulted in Colston's big performance. I've seen other games where Colston has had only a few opportunities. So, I wouldn't count on him for great stats week-in-week-out, but I would expect to see a couple 40/50yard games to every 100+ yard game with a TD every other game or so.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

I think he's also been helped by the fact that the Saints have been throwing a lot at the end of games to catch up or make a score respectable. They're mostly a running team, so if they get ahead of someone, they'd prefer to run it. (I know, all non-Martz teams are like that, but NO is built for it).

He seems to be a player whose circumstance will dictate a performance. I don't feel comfortable saying he'll definitely "get his" like the elite WRs normally do, but if the team needs to get the ball down the field, he definitely has Brees' eye.

The Saints only have 2 losses.

Certainly a team can come from behind and win the game.One of Colston's monster games against the Packers in which they were coming from behind the whole second half...and won the game.

 

[Tom Baker]

I wouldn't count on him for great stats week-in-week-out, but I would expect to see a couple 40/50yard games to every 100+ yard game with a TD every other game or so.

I'll say it again: Colston has been quite consistent, scoring at least 9.7 yardage-league points in all but one game this year. Seems like you people expect a number one wideout to put up 20 points every week. Good luck finding that.

 

[yellowdog]

NFL.com draft profile for Colston

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Why was Colston a late (7th round, I think) draft pick? Obviously there was something that scouts did not like about him. Everyone knew Randy Moss was an athletic freak when he was drafted, but he had a lot of off the field baggage.

I can only speculate what the war rooms were thinking but I have to think it's that he played against a lower level of competition at Hofstra and didn't have any single measureable or athletic attribute that popped out. He's got good size, good hands, good quicks, but none of them are outstanding. Two recent small school WRs that did go on the first day seemed like more promising prospects at the time: Tyrone Calico (Colston sized, but with 4.4 speed) and Vincent Jackson (thicker build than Colston with slightly better speed)I'll add that as many of you know, I scouted Colston very closely at the Shrine Game back in January - it was clear that Colston had NFL prospects despite being an unknown because of his good hands and the huge target he presented to the QB - but I also noticed that he seemed a bit slight and got out-physicalled a lot (bumped off of routes and so on) - One of the main selection committee members, John Murphy (check yahoo sports for his great NCAA and NFL content) told me that he was a late fill-in for Maurice Stovall and that he was in combine shape, not playing shape - so maybe that had something to do with everyone missing him.

 

[Sidewinder]

Certainly a team can come from behind and win the game.

One of Colston's monster games against the Packers in which they were coming from behind the whole second half...and won the game.

The Saints never trailed after taking the lead in the 2nd quarter vs Green Bay.

 

[corpcow]

I am one who has not bought into Colston yet. I'm starting to wonder if his emergence might be similar to Anquan Boldin? Not highly regarded even after a great start. Will this guy emerge as a consistent top 15-20 type WR?

I'm not quite sure what you are suggesting...

 

[guderian]

I think he's also been helped by the fact that the Saints have been throwing a lot at the end of games to catch up or make a score respectable. They're mostly a running team, so if they get ahead of someone, they'd prefer to run it. (I know, all non-Martz teams are like that, but NO is built for it).

He seems to be a player whose circumstance will dictate a performance. I don't feel comfortable saying he'll definitely "get his" like the elite WRs normally do, but if the team needs to get the ball down the field, he definitely has Brees' eye.

The Saints only have 2 losses.

Certainly a team can come from behind and win the game.One of Colston's monster games against the Packers in which they were coming from behind the whole second half...and won the game.

I would hardly consider the Saints' games to be any different than most NFL teams with similar records. They've been ahead in a few games, behind in a few games, game back to win a couple of times. If we are going to start aguing that Colston's stats are inflated because they came from behind to win a couple games, then we'll have to adjust the stats for every other WR that's on a 4+ win team--because that is the nature of the NFL. Fact is that he said "the Saints have been throwing a lot at the end of games to catch up or make a score respectable." That is simply not true. Brees averages 9.0 attempts per quarter for quarters 1-3 and 8.9 attempts for the 4th quarter.

As far as the Packers' game, they were ahead at half time and had between a zero and 14 point lead for the entire second half. I don't know how that qualifies as "coming from behind the whole second half". They had a 14 point lead with 8 minutes left in the game and were clearly in kill the clock mode at that point.

 

[JuniorNB]

Why was Colston a late (7th round, I think) draft pick? Obviously there was something that scouts did not like about him. Everyone knew Randy Moss was an athletic freak when he was drafted, but he had a lot of off the field baggage.

I think that the fact that he played at a small college has something to do with it.Same goes for Brian Westbrook from Villanova. A kid puts up terrific numbers and looks good on tape, but somewhere deep inside, people always want to question the competition.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Why was Colston a late (7th round, I think) draft pick? Obviously there was something that scouts did not like about him. Everyone knew Randy Moss was an athletic freak when he was drafted, but he had a lot of off the field baggage.

I think that the fact that he played at a small college has something to do with it.Same goes for Brian Westbrook from Villanova. A kid puts up terrific numbers and looks good on tape, but somewhere deep inside, people always want to question the competition.

Westbrook was at least a 3rd rounder. Colston was taken in the 240s.

 

[j3r3m3y]

So, I wouldn't count on him for great stats week-in-week-out,

For the sake of argument, how many WRs can be counted on for "great stats week-in-week-out"?

but I would expect to see a couple 40/50yard games to every 100+ yard game with a TD every other game or so.

I only got Bs in math, but how does 6 TDs in 7 games average out to "a TD every other game or so"?

 

[Marc Levin]

Its interesting that he's considered a TE by most leagues (although its obvious now that he's a WR) because the guy has a 17.0 ypc average.

most???

thinking the same thing - most Yahoo leagues, of course, but not any on MFL or Fanball.

 

[Marc Levin]

So, I wouldn't count on him for great stats week-in-week-out,

For the sake of argument, how many WRs can be counted on for "great stats week-in-week-out"?

but I would expect to see a couple 40/50yard games to every 100+ yard game with a TD every other game or so.

I only got Bs in math, but how does 6 TDs in 7 games average out to "a TD every other game or so"?

I think this was his projection going forward - not a projection of his average. That said, Colston is CLEARLY the real deal in NO - Horn is second to him in every category.

 

[j3r3m3y]

So, I wouldn't count on him for great stats week-in-week-out,

For the sake of argument, how many WRs can be counted on for "great stats week-in-week-out"?

but I would expect to see a couple 40/50yard games to every 100+ yard game with a TD every other game or so.

I only got Bs in math, but how does 6 TDs in 7 games average out to "a TD every other game or so"?

I think this was his projection going forward - not a projection of his average. That said, Colston is CLEARLY the real deal in NO - Horn is second to him in every category.

Then I question what he supports this "projection" with, it sounds like he pulled it out of a very uncomfortable place (the backseat of a Volkswagon maybe?). I mean, I don't see any reason to expect him to tail off that drastically.

 

[JuniorNB]

So, I wouldn't count on him for great stats week-in-week-out,

For the sake of argument, how many WRs can be counted on for "great stats week-in-week-out"?

but I would expect to see a couple 40/50yard games to every 100+ yard game with a TD every other game or so.

I only got Bs in math, but how does 6 TDs in 7 games average out to "a TD every other game or so"?

I think this was his projection going forward - not a projection of his average. That said, Colston is CLEARLY the real deal in NO - Horn is second to him in every category.

Then I question what he supports this "projection" with, it sounds like he pulled it out of a very uncomfortable place (the backseat of a Volkswagon maybe?). I mean, I don't see any reason to expect him to tail off that drastically.

He doesn't own him, maybe?

 

[baronson]

my pessimism tells me he can't possibly finish the year with 14 TDs. but at this rate, even if he finishes with 10, he's a top 15 or so WR this year, with no reason to doubt he'll do the same next year.

he's a beast. i heart him. Reggie Stallworth who?

 

[guderian]

So, I wouldn't count on him for great stats week-in-week-out,

For the sake of argument, how many WRs can be counted on for "great stats week-in-week-out"?

but I would expect to see a couple 40/50yard games to every 100+ yard game with a TD every other game or so.

I only got Bs in math, but how does 6 TDs in 7 games average out to "a TD every other game or so"?

I think this was his projection going forward - not a projection of his average. That said, Colston is CLEARLY the real deal in NO - Horn is second to him in every category.

Then I question what he supports this "projection" with, it sounds like he pulled it out of a very uncomfortable place. I mean, I don't see any reason to expect him to tail off that drastically.

Jesus you people love to nit pick. Now I remember why I hated posting here. It's funny that the people nitpicking in this thread are almost solely working off of the stat line. Colston's yardage has been 38, 40, 49, 58, 97, 132 and 163. If you'd watch the games--or if you were at the games--you'd see that Colston is a tertiary option in some. Colston has 3 games with only 6 targets. Boldin, Holt, Coles, Roy Williams, Chambers, Steve Smith, Andre Johnson, Keyshawn Johnson, Harrison, Driver, Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens, Darrel Jackson, Reggie Wayne, Braylon Edwards, Mushin Muhammad, Plaxico Burres and I am sure a few others each have one or fewer games with 6 targets or less. There are also another dozen or so players that have had 6 targets two times or less. Those players are consistent options in their offense--Colston isn't yet. That is why I characterized him as having a few 40/50 yard games followed by a 100+ yard game. I've seen ~90% of Colston's plays. He's good, but he's not Moss and he's not Boldin. Which is why I originally stated (before my post was redacted):

1. Colston has great hands and uses his body well in traffic. 2. He has been a target in key plays--both in the red zone and on 3rd/4th down situations. This shows that the coaching staff and Brees has confidence in him. 3. He is frequently the WR in 1 WR sets in red zone situations. By all accounts Colston has the talent and opportunity to succeed. The only negative on him is that the Saints' offense spreads the ball around. They went into the game with the Ravens knowing that Baltimore had an aggressive style and they wanted to capitalize by hitting on big plays. That, coupled with the fact that they were far behind for most of the game resulted in Colston's big performance. I've seen other games where Colston has had only a few opportunities. So, I wouldn't count on him for great stats week-in-week-out, but I would expect to see a couple 40/50yard games to every 100+ yard game with a TD every other game or so.

Colston thrived against the Ravens because the Saints thought they could capitalize on some big plays because of the aggressive Ravens' defense. Colston thrived against the Panthers because of one, late 86 yard TD reception. In other games Colston does "OK" and in some of those he happens to catch a TD. As far as TDs I think they are fluky. You may be comfortable extrapolating his 6 TDs over the course of a full season and expecting that to continue. Sorry, I don't think that Colston will continue to account for 38% of the TDs on a team with McAllister, Horn and Bush. Still, if my TD projection comes through he'll end up with 10-11 TDs. If you take my yardage projections literally, then you're looking at 1150 yards and 10-11 TDs. Sorry if you consider that to be tailing off drastically.

 

[guderian]

So, I wouldn't count on him for great stats week-in-week-out,

For the sake of argument, how many WRs can be counted on for "great stats week-in-week-out"?

but I would expect to see a couple 40/50yard games to every 100+ yard game with a TD every other game or so.

I only got Bs in math, but how does 6 TDs in 7 games average out to "a TD every other game or so"?

I think this was his projection going forward - not a projection of his average. That said, Colston is CLEARLY the real deal in NO - Horn is second to him in every category.

Then I question what he supports this "projection" with, it sounds like he pulled it out of a very uncomfortable place (the backseat of a Volkswagon maybe?). I mean, I don't see any reason to expect him to tail off that drastically.

He doesn't own him, maybe?

I own him in one of two leagues. Nice try though. I've also seen every one of his home games in person and watched almost every snap of his road games. How many of his games have you seen in person? Sorry that you think 1150 yards and 10-11 TDs is off the mark. Good luck with working off of the stat line. BTW, I picked him up in the preseason...not in October like you apparently did.