TheOak

Mike Tripplett

The New Orleans Saints made their debut on ESPN’s #NFLRank list of the top 100 offensive and defensive players in the league. Receiver Marques Colston came in at No. 73 and guard Ben Grubbs at No. 76.

I’m a little disappointed that some of the Saints’ younger, up-and-coming defensive players weren’t represented on the list (more on that later this week). But I was glad to see Colston and Grubbs got the proper respect from a panel of 90 voters throughout ESPN’s community of analysts -- considering both are pretty under-the-radar guys.

Grubbs, 30, just made his second trip to the Pro Bowl in the past three years, and he did it with two different teams (the Saints and Baltimore Ravens). So his recognition wasn’t a surprise. Like the rest of the Saints’ offensive line, Grubbs was inconsistent early in the season last year. But he finished very strong, especially during the playoffs. And the 6-foot-3, 310-pounder has shown great versatility with the power to run block and the athleticism needed to pass protect and get out in front of screen passes in New Orleans’ pass-heavy offense.

Colston, meanwhile, might have the best overall career of any current NFL player who has never been to a Pro Bowl. The 31-year-old has consistently produced as a top-10 or top-20 caliber receiver for eight straight years, breaking franchise records with 607 receptions, 8,337 yards and 63 touchdowns.

As the ESPN poll pointed out, only Larry Fitzgerald (69) and Calvin Johnson (66) have more touchdown receptions during that span.

And as I’ve written a couple times this summer, don’t rule out another one of those 1,100-yard, eight-touchdown type of seasons from Colston again now that he’s feeling healthier than he has in a couple years.
Marques Colston, Ben Grubbs land on ESPN's top 100 - ESPN

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