NFL: Each Team’s Biggest 2015 X-Factor

Jun 10, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandon Coleman (16) during minicamp at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints WR Brandon Coleman

Since I wanted to avoid using household names like Cameron Jordan and Jairus Byrd, I’ll settle on No. 3 wide receiver Brandon Coleman, who should have been more than just an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers in the 2014 draft class. Coleman wasn’t the most fluid receiver coming out of college, but he beat up on Big Ten opponents with his combination of size and speed, setting himself up nicely to be a possible playmaker down-the-road in the NFL.

At 23, Coleman has plenty of room for improvement, but he’s already quickly latched on and made an impact on the Saints roster. Not only did he win the No. 3 gig over Nick Toon and others this offseason with his strong play, but he also capped off his summer by catching four passes for 82 yards in the team’s final preseason game.

Marques Colston is still the No. 2 receiver in my book, but Coleman has so much upside that he could even overtake him. As we saw last season with Kenny Stills, Drew Brees has the ability to work wonders with explosive vertical threats.

Next: The Need To Be Consistent