Marques Colston to Vikings: Why Ex-Saints WR Would Look Good in Minnesota

CBSSports.com is reporting that the Vikings might be interested in pursuing Marques Colston, who would look phenomenal wearing purple and gold. 

Mike Triplett of The Times-Picayune is reporting that the New Orleans Saints are going to have trouble matching an offer on Colston, as they are currently only an estimated $6 million to $7 million under the projected salary cap of about $120 million. 

Colston is 28 years old with six years of experience, and he would be the perfect player to fill the biggest need for the Vikings on offense besides pass-protection for Christian Ponder: The Vikings need a big-bodied, big-play receiver.

He has caught 48 touchdown passes in his young career, averaging eight per season for the Saints.

So, we know Colston is a good player, but now it is time to explore exactly why he is a perfect fit in Minnesota.

Wild Horses Need Room to Roam

The Vikings feature the best running back in the NFL, bar none. Adrian Peterson, when healthy, is the most talented, fiercest runner I've ever seen. His style of running reminds me of a wild stallion who refuses to be tamed.

Even wild stallions need room to run, though, and the Vikings are currently lacking enough talent in the passing game to pose a true threat to opposing defenses, allowing them to focus all their attention on corralling Peterson with eight and nine men right around the line of scrimmage.

Colston, at 6'4" and 225 pounds, is a big receiver that is effective in all phases of the passing game. He is a precise route-runner who can get off the press and beat one-on-one coverage. 

Teams will have to account for Colston by keeping a safety assigned to him. 

Since Colston is being double-teamed, that leaves either Percy Harvin or Kyle Rudolph single-covered, more often than not giving the entire offense more breathing room.

No more cheating. Teams will now have to play more honest on defense, accounting for more of the field in the passing game and ultimately leading to better production and less wear and tear on No. 28.

Win-win.

Percy Harvin Needs Help

I love Percy Harvin. He is an explosive weapon with unique abilities, but he's more like Darren Sproles than Calvin Johson.

At 5'11" and 184 pounds, Harvin doesn't have the body to be the Vikings go-to option on offense to move the chains. He gets bumped at the line against press-coverage and isn't able to keep the timing of his routes, making it impossible for Christian Ponder and him to connect when it matters most.

Harvin is better in open space with room to maneuver. 

That's where Colston comes in. As I mentioned in the last slide, Colston's ability to break through press coverage will cause teams to necessarily double-team him or risk getting abused.

His height and long arms allow him to catch balls over the heads of smaller corners and safety help is needed to keep him in check.

Harvin would benefit greatly from Colston's inclusion into the Vikings offense, and the entire offense would loosen up as a result.

Christian Ponder Needs a Security Blanket

Every young quarterback needs a receiver he can count on when the pressure is on. 

For Christian Ponder, it seems as if he has yet to find that man.

Colston is the perfect receiver to bring alongside Ponder. He provides a large target, and his sure hands will provoke Ponder to trust more, breeding the chemistry that is needed to shine when the spotlight is brightest.

Last year, Colston was ranked 14th in the NFL at the "catch rate" statistic, catching 80 balls while being targeted 126 times (76.2 percent).

The next-closest receiver on this list currently in line to become a free agent is Dallas Cowboys Laurent Robinson, who is ranked 45th in the NFL at 67.5 percent.

It seems clear to me that Colston is the best option for the Vikings wide receiver needs in 2012. He is a proven commodity who will produce at a high level for years to come, provided he stays healthy.

The only thing left to do is sign him.

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