When the Saints failed to sign Greg Jennings this offseason, the opportunity to not only make the roster as a receiver but contribute in a meaningful way was open to a lot of “potential” receivers. Brandon Coleman was certainly no exception. You’ll remember Coleman as the guy that was widely rated as the best undrafted player in the 2014 draft. When the Saints were able to sign him, most local fans immediately placed him as destined for a 40 catch plus season with a significant role in the offense. It obviously didn’t work out that way, but Coleman’s 6’6″ frame was an attribute that always gave hope that he could turn into something special.
Interestingly, Coleman’s career since Rutgers has intersected at every turn with Seantavius Jones of Valdosta State. It remains to be seen if that comparison will last past this training camp but for over a year now these two players are almost always mentioned in the same breath. Like Coleman, Jones is tall (6’3″) and has surprising speed for his size. Jones seemed to have a let up on Coleman throughout the 2014 season as he was the first to get signed to the practice squad and the first to get signed to the active roster. Coleman would benefit from both as well eventually, but only behind Jones. So far through camp, Coleman seems to have leapfrogged Jones.
And thus Coleman seems to have stepped into a prominent place in the rotation. The most significant development is his chemistry with Drew Brees. It’s one thing if you’re making plays in camp with the backups, but if the starter is throwing your way it means you’re more likely to see the ball come your way when the game is on the line. Coleman’s name is coming up repeatedly these first few days as consistently making plays. Further, a big camp from Coleman is reason for serious excitement. It’s not like Willie Snead, Andy Tanner, Adrian Arrington or Mike Hass making an impression. Coleman actually has the size to make an impact at the NFL level in real games. If he’s running good routes, blocking, concentrating on his catches and showing consistency, he has the physical attributes to make big huge plays in the games that matter most. The aforementioned guys don’t. As good as some of those other players I just listed were in camp, their ability to beat #1 NFL corners was a different story altogether. Why that’s different with Coleman is his size.
Now, consider the fact that Jimmy Graham is gone. For the Saints to cash in in the red zone a replacement will need to be found. Coleman is the immediate replacement, at lease in theory, based on his size. Of course that’s IF he makes the roster and IF he can get on the field enough to justify going his way. Those are still big ifs, but his progress through camp thus far suggests it’s a strong possibility. If he’s on the field in red zone situations, he immediately becomes a primary target for the Saints.
There’s a lot of questions with the Saints offense this year with the high amount of turnover but if you expect them to deliver like they have every year since 2006 then we’ll need to see some surprise success from guys you’ve yet to see do it on the field. Brandon Coleman seems poised to be one of those.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
