Surprising Colston making huge impact for Saints

A relative unknown on draft day, Marques Colston has stepped to the fore of the 2006 rookie class, writes Todd McShay.

Originally Published: November 9, 2006
By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.
The biggest fallout of the 2006 NFL draft was the Texans' decision to select defensive Mario Williams instead of Heisman Trophy-winning running back Reggie Bush. Little did we know that Williams and Bush -- and every other rookie for that matter -- would be upstaged by Marques Colston, a small-school wide receiver taken by the Saints 250 picks after they selected Bush No. 2 overall.

New Orleans was so impressed with Colston's play during training camp, it was willing to trade last year's leading receiver, Donte' Stallworth, to the Eagles. And it did not take long for the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Hofstra product to surpass Pro Bowler Joe Horn as QB Drew Brees' primary weapon. Colston leads the Saints with 44 receptions, which ties him for 10th place among NFL leaders with the likes of Reggie Wayne (Colts) and Terrell Owens (Cowboys). The seventh-round steal is also averaging 15.9 yards per catch with seven touchdowns through eight games.

Colston isn't the only late-round value from the 2006 class. Here's a look at the rest of the rookies who round out this year's top-five second-day steals:


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Todd McShay

Scouts Inc.
  • ESPN College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
  • Joined ESPN in 2006
  • Played quarterback in high school and was a backup QB for the University of Richmond.

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