Player Spotlight: Marques Colston (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2007 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints

Player Page Link: Marques Colston Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[LawFitz]

Colston will take the next step next year despite new weight on his shoulders as the go to WR thx to an offense that opens the field for him. With McCallister, Henderson, Meachem, and especially Bush, D Coordinators cannot over focus on MC.

Drew Brees and company have something special going on offense. The Saints D will give up enough points to keep the Saints' offensive stars busy. And the offense's #1 WR will be a big beneficiary of the necessary production.

Colston's got the size, speed, hands, character and DESIRE to be a great WR. And this year will be the next step to that level. This time he stays healthy all season and a Pro Bowl awaits the surprising former 7th rounder...

Good Player: ding

Good Offense: ding

Suspect Defense: ding

87 receptions

1589 yards

14 TDs

2007 #1 Fantasy WR

 

[laxiepoo]

What, no sophomore slump? And he's not that magic 3rd-year Receiver yet.

Regardless of who's in the backfield or how many their defense gives up, Colston is drawing the best corner on each team, every week (and double-coverage or help over the top when the defense can afford it). Meacham or Henderson might be the benefactors in this regard.

With 9 or 10 out of 16 games against tough defenses (like Atlanta, Carolina, Tampa, Jacksonville, Philly, and Chicago), that means some stiff competition for balls.

Colston will keep defenses honest, but you gotta temper those numbers down a bit this year.

I'd say more like 75 / 975 / 9. Not a bad year by any means, but might go much higher in most drafts than this production could be worth.

If you're looking for VBD and great picks, I don't think he outperforms his ADP this season (but please prove me wrong =).

 

[ROCKET]

How does everyone feel about Meachem's impact on Colston's #'s and would you draft Meachem over say a Jarrett, Bowe if you had Colston? Is it worth handcuffing the #1 wr spot in a pass happy N.O. offense or is is it better logic to have 2 wr's on different teams?

 

[David Yudkin]

With 9 or 10 out of 16 games against tough defenses (like Atlanta, Carolina, Tampa, Jacksonville, Philly, and Chicago), that means some stiff competition for balls.

Last year against these teams . . .ATL 7-97-0CAR 5-132-1TB 3-38-0TB 11-123-1PHI 4-40-1PHI 5-55-0CHI 5-63-1And let's not forgetBAL 6-163-2PIT 10-169-0That works out to 6.2-97.8-0.67 per game and would project to 99-1565-11 over a full season.Colston may not have the numbers he had last year, but IMO he did great against strong defenses last year.

 

[jurb26]

I'm a bit surprised that the addition of E. Johnson at TE has not been talked about yet. I'd say the only thing that can keep Colston from having a sold Fantasy season is injury at this point. I'd also say that I see him having very little chance in being the #1 WR in FF. Heck, I'd be surprised if he was top 10. NO has too many options and I don't see him as the kind of talent to supersede that ala Harrison/Moss/TO. Bush, McAllister, Meachem, Henderson, Johnson and even Pittman are all going to be viable weapons for NO. With Colston drawing the brunt of the attention by the #1 CB I just can't see that amazing FF season from him.

80 rec., 1120 yds, 7 TDs

 

[Yitbos69]

Colston had a great 1st half of a season. He only scored 2 TD's in his final 8 games after a blistering 7 in his 1st 8 games. I did not see a lot of him last year. Did he hit the rookie wall? Did other players come back from injury? Did teams start game planing for him?

75/1125/6

 

[shadyridr]

This guy is a flat out stud. And he will be the team's #1 redzone option. WRs like Henderson & Copper are more deep threats and Meachem is a rookie. Eric Johnson is injury prone and will be used mostly on between the 20's. I see no decline for Colston whatsoever unless Brees gets hurt. Plus this is a top notch offense. He is definately a WR1 and probably top 5 (didnt do my rankings yet).

96 rec, 1300 yds, 9 tds

 

[Hairy Snowman]

I expect him to continue to play the "Gates" role in this offense.

Assuming Brees is healthy by Game 1, at least a repeat of last year, better if he can stay healthy.

 

[shadyridr]

Colston had a great 1st half of a season. He only scored 2 TD's in his final 8 games after a blistering 7 in his 1st 8 games. I did not see a lot of him last year. Did he hit the rookie wall? Did other players come back from injury? Did teams start game planing for him?75/1125/6

He had a high ankle sprain

 

[identikit]

Colston had a great 1st half of a season. He only scored 2 TD's in his final 8 games after a blistering 7 in his 1st 8 games. I did not see a lot of him last year. Did he hit the rookie wall? Did other players come back from injury? Did teams start game planing for him?75/1125/6

Colston missed games (essentially, 3) with an injury in the middle of the season. That explains at least some of the dip in his numbers.Id

 

[Da Guru]

Colston had a great 1st half of a season. He only scored 2 TD's in his final 8 games after a blistering 7 in his 1st 8 games. I did not see a lot of him last year. Did he hit the rookie wall? Did other players come back from injury? Did teams start game planing for him?75/1125/6

Colston had a bad ankle sprain that hobbled him the second half.

 

[redman]

Good analysis in this thread so far.

With regards to Meacham's impact, we of course don't know what kind of NFL WR Meacham will end up being but assuming he performs as expected I do think that this offense is capable of supporting 3 WR's who gain 1000+ yards. The only real competition for receiving yardage comes from Bush out of the backfield.

In other words, I don't believe that Meacham will have a huge impact upon Colston's numbers.

 

[turkishkamel]

Good analysis in this thread so far. With regards to Meacham's impact, we of course don't know what kind of NFL WR Meacham will end up being but assuming he performs as expected I do think that this offense is capable of supporting 3 WR's who gain 1000+ yards. The only real competition for receiving yardage comes from Bush out of the backfield. In other words, I don't believe that Meacham will have a huge impact upon Colston's numbers.

agreed, at least not his year. i dont see any reason colston doesnt have a big year. he's a big guy with soft hands and appears to be the perfect receiver for drew brees. def top 10, probably top 5. 87/1227/12tds

 

[KING]

i see meachem with perhaps 40 catches, which would replace horn. johnson? you actually have to be on the field to cut into someone's numbers. lets see how healthy he can be, or stay. i just don't see how colston could raise his numbers much more. just too many other good players, and options.

79 1080 13.7 9

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Colston will take the next step next year despite new weight on his shoulders as the go to WR thx to an offense that opens the field for him. With McCallister, Henderson, Meachem, and especially Bush, D Coordinators cannot over focus on MC.Drew Brees and company have something special going on offense. The Saints D will give up enough points to keep the Saints' offensive stars busy. And the offense's #1 WR will be a big beneficiary of the necessary production.Colston's got the size, speed, hands, character and DESIRE to be a great WR. And this year will be the next step to that level. This time he stays healthy all season and a Pro Bowl awaits the surprising former 7th rounder...Good Player: dingGood Offense: dingSuspect Defense: ding87 receptions1589 yards14 TDs 2007 #1 Fantasy WR

:X you guys on here are funny

 

[David Yudkin]

While I love the PS series, the only downfall as I see it is that discussions on one player invariably are tied in to an entire's team production. In this case, the Saints had 373/4626/27 for receiving totals last year. So to me, there are several issues (many of which I am ill prepared to address on May 1st).

- Will the Saints total passing numbers stay the same, go up, or drop

- How will the production be distributed (which IMO is a big key to how well Colston will do)

- What impact will the additions of EJohnson, Meachem, and Patten have vs the departure of Horn have on the passing game

- Will Reggie Bush get 90 receptions and will Henderson become a bigger part of the offense

Colston had 70/1038/8 in essentially 12 games last year. Projected over a full season, that works out to 93/1384/11. Based on that, I don't find it unreasonable for some people to potentially project him as the #1 fantasy WR. (He would have ranked #2 last year with those stats.) While I think that's more wishful thinking than anything else, it certainly is not in the realm of possibility (although probably unlikely).

Off the cuff and using last year's team totals, breaking down the passing production for a very early 2007 team picture:

Colston 80-1250-10

Bush 70-600-1

Henderson 45-810-5

Johnson 40-400-3

Meachem 30-390-2

Deuce 30-200-1

Patten 25-350-2

Copper 20-300-2

Stecker 15-130-0

Others 20-200-1

Total: 375-4630-27

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

There's no real reason that he shouldn't build off of lasts year's season. He'll be one of the top fantasy Wr's in the game.

75 receptions

1200 yards receiving

11 tds

 

[BLOX]

While I don't think Colston will have a 2nd year like Michael Clayton, I do expect his numbers to be around a WR2 this year. Which makes his ADP too high for me to take a shot at. I hope I am wrong because it's stories like his that make the NFL so great.

75 Rec, 1020 Yards, 6 TD

 

[Thom Yorke]

Full disclosure: HUGE with mancrush on Marques

Profile/Background: If there was a more inspiring and unlikely story in the NFL last season than Marques Colston's ascent from small school obscurity to NFL stardom, I haven't heard it. A 7th round selection from Hofstra, most scouts and analysts projected Colston as a TE project for a team willing to put in the time to develop a convert from the WR position. Marques didn't do much to dispel these notions at the Saints first mini-camp, where he showed up largely out of shape and wilted in the New Orleans heat. At that point, It didn't look like Colston would make the team, much less become the team's go to wide receiver.

But that's precisely what happened. A humbled Colston put in major work after the first minicamp, and reported to training camp in much better shape. Coach Sean Payton began to take notice when Marques grabbed everything thrown his way in the early stages of camp, and the rookie gradually worked his way up the depth chart. Colston's unusual combination of speed, size, and hands made him both a legitimate deep threat as well as an end zone terror, and eventually caused the Saints front office to ship Donte Streetclothes to Philly.

Colston made an immediate impact in early games against Cleveland and GB, grabbing a touchdown in each. Soon, Joe Horn succumbed to injury and Colston blossomed, becoming the recipient of 10-15 Drew Brees targets per came. Only a nasty ankle sprain suffered on the opening possession of the Bengals game could put a damper on a streak of three consecutive 120+ yard performances in weeks 8-10. Colston probably returned too soon from the ankle injury and simply wasn't himself during the final four games of the season (including a meaningless week 17 game in which he didn't participate), and therefore saw a dip in production. He did, however, get closer to full strength in games against Philly and Chicago during the playoffs, where he had a combined 118 yards and one TD. Notably, in the playoffs, Marques's hands seemed a bit more suspect, and he had a costly early fumble against Chicago. Nevertheless, an impressive rookie season of 1038 yards and 8 TD was in the books in a mere 12 games.

Key changes/additions -- The Saints offense returns almost entirely intact, and has actually added a few new weapons. The front office has kept the offensive line together by resigning restricted free agent Jon Stinchcomb, and added depth via the draft in Akron guard Andy Alleman and massive small school prospect Jermon Bushrod. Thus, Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees should continue to have plenty of time to get the ball to the bevy of weapons at his disposal. Joe Horn departed for Atlanta, and the Saints responded by signing veteran David Patten and drafting highly touted rookie Robert Meachem in the first round of the draft. The team also added the talented but oft-injured Eric Johnson at TE, a certain upgrade at the position over journeyman Billy Miller if Johnson can stay healthy. Of course, the dynamic Reggie Bush returns after a 90+ reception campaign in which he really seemed to hit his stride down the stetch and in the playoffs.

Outlook for 2007 - What does all of this mean for Colston? In my view, the lack of change in the makeup of the Saints offense suggests that his role as the favorite option for Drew Brees in the passing game will stay the same. Drew seems to love his big targets (Gates, Colston), and there is little reason to believe that Drew won't look his way an average of 8-10 times per game. Certainly, Colston won't sneak up on anyone anymore, but the secret was out on the kid by week 8 last year, when he lit up Tampa, Pittsburgh, and Cincy in successive weeks to the tune of 455/3.

Potential downside? The Saints defense should improve, making it possible that there will be less of a need to throw the ball as much as they did last year. Though injured, some may suggest that Colston's dropoff in production down the stretch was indicative of his "hitting the wall" or as a suggestion that he may have a sophomore slump.

I don't find those arguments compelling. Colston is a talented player in a versatile and high-powered offense. He's got talent, he's got opportunity, and he'll reward you if you take him as your WR1.

2007 Marques Colston projection: 85 receptions, 1,266 yards, 9 TD.

 

[SproutDaddy]

Colston had a great 1st half of a season. He only scored 2 TD's in his final 8 games after a blistering 7 in his 1st 8 games. I did not see a lot of him last year. Did he hit the rookie wall? Did other players come back from injury? Did teams start game planing for him?75/1125/6

No on all accounts. He was a little dinged up. I see him progressing further. Good head on his shoulders, good coach, good offense where he is the #1 WR.90/1200/14

 

[crimsonrebel]

I am worried about the sophomore slump. Its hard to doubleteam anyone on this O, but around the goalline, they almost have to doubleteam Colston due to his size. I think the yardage may be there, but not the studly # of TD's. Im more worried about who the #2 W reciever will be this year. Why does everyone predict Henderson? Copper started over Henderson last year, and Copper had better hands than Henderson last year..

 

[kensat30]

85/1200/10

Worried about injury for the most part and not production.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

75 receptions, 1106 yards, 8.5 TDs

 

[JohnnyU]

I think MC will find it tougher in 2007. I think teams will be more prepared for him this year. If Meachem progresses, and with all the other weapons the Saints have (Bush, McAllister, Henderson, and now Eric Johnson), I don't see MC putting up the numbers some in this thread are projecting. I'll take a stab at it and say 1068 yds / 8 tds. Not bad, but not as high as some project.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I think the Saints made a statement by letting Joe Horn go. It's clear he was in decline, but they obviously feel great about Colston.

Last year Brees said when Colston was injured, they had to adjust the playbook because they had some plays in there just for him. Specific plays for a rookie receiver? That says a lot too, I think. Plus, Brees and Colston came to New Orleans at the same time, they're used to each other and I think Brees depends on him. Barring injury, I don't see any reason why he doesn't continue to improve.

100-1336-14

 

[mlball77]

I think the Saints made a statement by letting Joe Horn go. It's clear he was in decline, but they obviously feel great about Colston. Last year Brees said when Colston was injured, they had to adjust the playbook because they had some plays in there just for him. Specific plays for a rookie receiver? That says a lot too, I think. Plus, Brees and Colston came to New Orleans at the same time, they're used to each other and I think Brees depends on him. Barring injury, I don't see any reason why he doesn't continue to improve.100-1336-14

Wow. Bold prediction. Does this put him at #1 on your WR list?

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I think the Saints made a statement by letting Joe Horn go. It's clear he was in decline, but they obviously feel great about Colston. Last year Brees said when Colston was injured, they had to adjust the playbook because they had some plays in there just for him. Specific plays for a rookie receiver? That says a lot too, I think. Plus, Brees and Colston came to New Orleans at the same time, they're used to each other and I think Brees depends on him. Barring injury, I don't see any reason why he doesn't continue to improve.100-1336-14

Wow. Bold prediction. Does this put him at #1 on your WR list?

I don't have a list in May. I just come here for the social-style chats in the off-season. But he'd be a top guy. I put 100 catches because I can see him being at 90-something and the team getting him to 100. He's young, he's a top receiver in a good offense, I like Brees, they play in a dome and they won't have the luxury of just running over teams. He's in a great situation. I don't think teams can gameplan to "take out Colston." NO has other weapons. I could see teams trying to limit Bush, but not Colston as much.

 

[mlball77]

I think the Saints made a statement by letting Joe Horn go. It's clear he was in decline, but they obviously feel great about Colston. Last year Brees said when Colston was injured, they had to adjust the playbook because they had some plays in there just for him. Specific plays for a rookie receiver? That says a lot too, I think. Plus, Brees and Colston came to New Orleans at the same time, they're used to each other and I think Brees depends on him. Barring injury, I don't see any reason why he doesn't continue to improve.100-1336-14

Wow. Bold prediction. Does this put him at #1 on your WR list?

I don't have a list in May. I just come here for the social-style chats in the off-season. But he'd be a top guy. I put 100 catches because I can see him being at 90-something and the team getting him to 100. He's young, he's a top receiver in a good offense, I like Brees, they play in a dome and they won't have the luxury of just running over teams. He's in a great situation. I don't think teams can gameplan to "take out Colston." NO has other weapons. I could see teams trying to limit Bush, but not Colston as much.

Ok. Fair enough. Some good points. I really think you made a strong case with the point that teams just won't focus their D gameplans around Colston because NO has other guys that can burn them as well (mainly Bush). I simply think with a 100 catch and 14 TD season, Colston would probably have to be the guy you see as the most productive WR in 07, or maybe #2. Thats why I was asking.

 

[cstu]

I think the Saints made a statement by letting Joe Horn go. It's clear he was in decline, but they obviously feel great about Colston. Last year Brees said when Colston was injured, they had to adjust the playbook because they had some plays in there just for him. Specific plays for a rookie receiver? That says a lot too, I think. Plus, Brees and Colston came to New Orleans at the same time, they're used to each other and I think Brees depends on him. Barring injury, I don't see any reason why he doesn't continue to improve.100-1336-14

The statement was made when they used their 1st round pick on a WR. Colston plays the Gates role in the offense and I expect similar numbers to what Gates puts up. Meachem is going to be a big part of the offense and Henderson isn't much competition.80-1100-10

 

[Thom Yorke]

I think the Saints made a statement by letting Joe Horn go. It's clear he was in decline, but they obviously feel great about Colston.

Last year Brees said when Colston was injured, they had to adjust the playbook because they had some plays in there just for him. Specific plays for a rookie receiver? That says a lot too, I think. Plus, Brees and Colston came to New Orleans at the same time, they're used to each other and I think Brees depends on him. Barring injury, I don't see any reason why he doesn't continue to improve.

100-1336-14

The statement was made when they used their 1st round pick on a WR. Colston plays the Gates role in the offense and I expect similar numbers to what Gates puts up. Meachem is going to be a big part of the offense and Henderson isn't much competition.80-1100-10

There are rumors swirling on the main Saints message board (saintsreport.com) that Henderson may well not be on the Saints roster come opening day. My early, gut feeling is that we'll see Colston and Patten lining up as opening day wideouts, with Meachem battling Copper for the 3rd WR position.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Does anyone know ho rare it is becoming for WR to hit double digit TD like everyone thinks Colston will hit this year? TO, Plax, and yes DJax IIRC were about the only ones last season...oh yeah and Marvin Harrison of course too.

Defenses will be ready for Colston this year. Double team every time down the field. They will take their chances against Devry, Copper, and Meachem for the itme being. I think Colston will be fine but to expect 95-100 catches, 1,400-1,500 yds and 10-15 TD as some suggest is proposterous.

80 catches, 1,100 yds, and 7 TDs.

Colston will go before Donald Driver who will have similar of not better numbers and can be had 1-2 rounds later.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Was Horn drawing the opposing team's top corner last year? If so, will Colston be stuck playing against the #1 CB?

I'd be hesitant to project him for higher numbers simply because he's a year older.

 

[Pipes]

Was Horn drawing the opposing team's top corner last year? If so, will Colston be stuck playing against the #1 CB? I'd be hesitant to project him for higher numbers simply because he's a year older.

I think you can project higher numbers for him because he missed essentially 3 games last year with a H.A.S. and was hobbled a couple more after he came back. I realize the sample size isn't ideal but in the 2 games before the sprain which Colston was the #1 WR he put up 11-123-1 against TB and 10-169-0 against Pitt...two pretty good defenses. I realize he's not going to put up those kind of numbers every week but I don't see why he can't go for 80-1200-11.With his size and Brees at QB I think it's very realistic that Colston has double digit TD numbers this year.

 

[Chunky Soup]

Was Horn drawing the opposing team's top corner last year? If so, will Colston be stuck playing against the #1 CB? I'd be hesitant to project him for higher numbers simply because he's a year older.

FWIW, Horn played 10 regular season games and 0 post-season games.

 

[crimsonrebel]

I think if anyone gets cut, its patten. hes past his prime and likely wouldnt be on the team more than 2 years anyway. copper is in the last year of his contract, so why would hendreson, the speediest reciever on the team be cut?

 

[Thom Yorke]

I think if anyone gets cut, its patten. hes past his prime and likely wouldnt be on the team more than 2 years anyway. copper is in the last year of his contract, so why would hendreson, the speediest reciever on the team be cut?

Because he's very much a "Haslett" guy, as opposed to a "Payton" guy. Haslett consistently went for players with great measurables, but who had questionable football IQ, character, and work ethic. Henderson has great speed, but little else. His hands are incredibly suspect, and he's virtually incapable of making plays in the middle of the field. His route running is average at best, and he only tends to get open when he can essentially run past a defender. Additionally, he doesn't seem to be a guy that is willing to put in the extra time to improve on these weaknesses. To be sure, while I'm not sure I buy the rumors that Henderson will be traded/cut, it really wouldn't shock me if he was. On the other hand, I would be very surprised to see Patten not make the team.