Brandon

Coleman

He’s the biggest receiver in Indy. Coleman took a step back in 2013 while playing through a knee injury, but posted 20 touchdowns over his three-year career at Rutgers and has the raw talent to develop into a quality possession receiver. Coleman received a third-round grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board.

We will have to respectfully disagree. Coleman has been in the system for two seasons and played well down the stretch last year, but Thomas was drafted to fill a specific role in the offense. The New Orleans Advocate’s Nick Underhill expects Thomas to do “a lot of the things that Marques Colston used to do.” It would be surprising if Thomas did not see more snaps and targets than Coleman this season.

Thomas was listed as a second-team receiver on the Saints’ initial training camp depth chart this week, behind Brandon Coleman. But if tonight’s game accounts for anything, Thomas should be passing Coleman in no time. Thomas made a splendid, over-the-shoulder 28-yard grab at the right sideline before halftime and led all Saints players in catches, yards, and targets. Coleman, meanwhile, was targeted once, and it was pick-sixed by Patriots SLB Jamie Collins.

Coleman isn’t believed to be “totally safe” in terms of making the 53-man roster. He dropped a pass in last week’s preseason game and almost lost a fumble. Coleman boats great size (6'6/225) but has little else working in his favor. He’s been tumbling down the depth chart since Michael Thomas arrived.

Triplett writes “Coleman will need a strong preseason to secure his roster spot” after the Saints used a second-round pick on Michael Thomas, who is a similar style of player but far more talented. Triplett’s statement is particularly notable because another Saints beat writer recently suggested Coleman was the favorite for the “big slot” role over Thomas. That never seemed likely.

Coleman used his size to go up and get the ball in the end zone on his score. His missed connection was a devastating late drop. New Orleans’ No. 4 receiver has 10 catches over his past seven games.

Coleman got the start opposite Michael Thomas with Willie Snead (toe) inactive. He was the third receiver through the rotation much of the night behind Brandin Cooks and Thomas. His longest grab went for 28 yards, and Coleman was mostly working the middle of the field with Thomas (7-71-1) and Coby Fleener (7-109-1). His lone misconnection was a fourth-quarter drop. Coleman should go back to No. 4 duties with Snead likely to return Week 4 against the Chargers.

Coleman operated as the Saints’ No. 4 receiver all season but got a bump up any time one of Michael Thomas, Brandin Cooks, or Willie Snead was out. Coleman played just 364 snaps on the year, corralling 26-of-38 targets for 281 yards and three touchdowns. He’ll be back with the Saints for the offseason program as an exclusive rights free agent but may have to compete for a spot.

With Michael Thomas (foot) sidelined, Coleman was much more involved than usual. He drew a red zone look, but was brought down at the three-yard line after catching a nine-yard pass. Coleman will be a WR5 desperado for Week 15 if Thomas remains sidelined.

He was an exclusive rights free agent. Coleman had a quiet 2016, finishing seventh on the team with 281 receiving yards. He could be in line for more targets if the Saints trade Brandin Cooks.