Fantasy Upside
In the Saints third preseason game, Brandon Coleman ran with the starters when the offense was in two-wide sets. He has more upside than Marques Colston, who has trouble separating and may only be used in three-receiver formations. Head coach Sean Payton singled out Coleman as the player who has impressed him the most in camp. He has the size (6-foot-6, 225 pounds) to be a problem for defensive backs in the red zone and will play with an elite quarterback in Drew Brees. With Jimmy Graham now in Seattle, Kenny Stills in Miami and Colston aging, Coleman has plenty of upside as a late-round flier.
Fantasy Downside
Coleman only had one catch on four targets through three preseason games, which is cause for concern. While Payton isn't going to reveal plans for his offense in exhibition contests, one would think Coleman would be targeted more if he's to have a big role this season. With the Saints transitioning from an uptempo passing attack to more of a balanced look under Payton, it is unclear at this point how many targets Coleman will receive.
Bottom Line
Ranked as our WR62, Coleman is worth a late-round flier in 12 and 10-team leagues. The Saints passing game will run through Brandin Cooks, but Coleman is more dangerous than Colston and certainly offers more upside. It is unclear at this point how he will be utilized, but Coleman has the potential to become one of Brees' favorite targets in the red-zone based on his size alone. Coleman also plays for one of the more creative minds in the NFL so if he can make an impact early, Payton will find ways to get the ball in his hands.
