Marques Colston WR 6'5 224 Hofstra
By: Robert Davis

Marques Colston has been a consistent standout for the Pride during his four seasons on the field. As a freshman, he averaged over 23 yards per catch, while finishing with 335 yards and three touchdowns on 14 grabs. As a sophomore he hauled in 47 balls for 614 yards and three touchdowns. Colston again improved on each statistic, finishing his junior year with 51 receptions, 910 yards, and seven touchdowns. An injury caused him to redshirt as a true senior in 2004, and he returned at full strength in 2005 with career highs of 70 catches and 975 yards to go along with five touchdown receptions.

Colston has a massive frame and knows how to use it. At a shade under 6'5 and 224lbs, he has excellent size for the WR position. His body control is what separates him from other players his size though. Colston knows how to shield defenders off with his size, and the ability to adjust to the ball in the air. His strength allows him to bring the ball in despite defenders hanging on to him. He also has very good straightline speed, clocking a 4.50 and 4.55 at the combine in Indy.

Playing at the D1-AA level brings raises questions about if he can perform against better talent on a consistent basis. It has also stunted his development because he has been able to get by on physical talent alone. He will need time to run better routes and read coverage better. Despite Colston's straight line speed, he does not have great change of direction skills. He needs an extra step to stop and get going again out of breaks.

Marques Colston has big time potential. With his size and body control, he could be an excellent red zone target. At the Shrine Game in January, Colston showed he could play with players from bigger schools, easing some of the concerns about the level of competition. He is a project however, but could provide a red zone presence early on for his team. In a year that lacks a true superstar wide receiver, Colston has the ability to be one of the better wide receivers out of this draft.