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WR Keary Colbert, Denver Broncos

HT: 5-10, WT: 193, Born: 5-21-1982, College: Southern California, Drafted: Round 2

2008 Projections

Best Case

Keary Colbert showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season. With an amazing 16 YPC Colbert looked like he was going to be a future stud for the Panthers. Well, injuries and inconsistencies ended that dream and now he is vying for a starting job with the Broncos. The #2 WR job is wide open in Denver, although Mike Shanahan has declared that if the season started today, the starting WR opposite of Brandon Marshall would in fact be Keary Colbert. Like the teammate he'll be battling, Darrell Jackson, Colbert will benefit from better QB play, a better offense, and the chip on his shoulder. Colbert is hungry to prove that his flashes of brilliance could in fact still turn out to be the real thing. Keary has the confidence of the coaching staff, but faces tough competition, most likely from Darrell Jackson. If Colbert were to win the #2 job, and if Brandon Marshall is good to go, then he could possibly be a 1,000 yard receiver for the first time in his career. Throw in about 5 TDs to go with that, and you have the makings of a very nice season.

Worst Case

Flashes are just that -- flashes. This guy hasn't seen the endzone in 2 years, and hasn't had a 100 yard game receiving since his "fantastic" rookie season, FOUR years ago. Inconsistency is one thing, but Colbert has simply lost the confidence to be a factor in the NFL. He will face some tough competition from the likes of Darrell Jackson, Samie Parker, and Eddie Royal, which means his little confidence had better not be shaken. Colbert could be the starter opposite of Brandon Marshall, but he also might not make the final roster. The Broncos have tried for years to revive the careers of WR castoffs like David Terrell. Colbert could be another one that never fulfills his potential. If he makes the team, look for him to compile around 300 yards receiving, and HEY 1 TD -- why not.

Outlook

If the season started today Keary Colbert would be the starter. Too bad it's June, and not September. This situation will shake itself out in training camp but Colbert will have a lot to prove in August. There's a chance this could turn into a WRBC with Darrell Jackson which means that Colbert's value will be significantly affected. It's more likely that Jackson could win the job outright, and then Colbert would only be in on a few plays a game. Either way, one shouldn't expect more than around 500 yards and 1-2 TDs for Colbert in 2008.

Relevant Articles

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Colbert is listed as the number two wide receiver but he was only thrown to twice in the game. He caught one pass for nine yards.

Week 2 - Colbert caught three passes for 25 yards. Delhomme tried to hit Colbert deep a couple of times but both passes fell incomplete.

Week 3 - Colbert made three catches for 52 yards. He made an excellent five yard grab on a fast, high pass from Delhomme. Later in the game, David Carr hit Colbert deep for a 38 yard completion. It set up a Carolina field goal that put them up by ten points.

Week 4 - Colbert caught two passes for 16 yards. Carr didn't throw to him until the second half. His first catch came right before the two minute warning. His other catch picked up a first down at the Tampa Bay 25 yard line.

Week 5 - Colbert's second catch came on the first pass attempt by Matt Moore, a deep ball that he caught while covered by a defender while going down the right sideline. He also was targeted on three other deep passes, one of which was on an overthrown pass in the end zone. He is becoming a reliable second receiver in the Carolina offense and his improvement will help take some of the pressure off of Steve Smith.

Week 6 - Colbert finished the game with three receptions for 29 yards, with his longest being 15 yards. He was targeted nine times on the day and would have had more receptions in Testaverde was a little more accurate on his down field throws. He was instrumental in one of the Panthers' touchdown drives, when Testaverde targeted him down the right side line of the field, but he was interfered with by the Cardinals' Adrian Wilson. On the next play, Testaverde hit Smith on a 65 yard touchdown pass.

Week 8 - Colbert was targeted eight times catching four passes for 35 yards. On the Carolina touchdown drive, he picked up 15 yards down to the Colts 18 yard line. In the second quarter, Colbert was the intended receiver in the end zone when Testaverde was intercepted.

Week 9 - Colbert saw eight passes thrown his way. He caught three passes for 30 yards. Only one of his catches went for a first down. He was targeted deep three times during the game but did not come up with any of those passes.

Week 10 - Colbert was sidelined with a foot injury and did not play in the game. Drew Carter replaced him.

Week 11 - Colbert was the target beneficiary with Steve Smith being out. He got 14 looks in the game but only caught six passes for 33 yards. His longest catch was just seven yards and he only picked up two first downs. Colbert caught just one pass in the red zone. He caught a three yard pass down to the Green Bay 11 yard line.

Week 12 - Colbert was thrown to five times but he caught just two passes for 21 yards. His first target didn't come until right before the end of the first half.

Week 13 - Colbert was thrown to twice but neither pass found the intended target. The first pass was incomplete and the second was intercepted by the 49ers.

Week 14 - Colbert didn't see many opportunities in this game. He was only targeted three times. Colbert caught one pass for eight yards. His catch was on Carolina's final drive and was in their own territory.

Week 15 - Colbert was inactive for this game.