2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Corey Coleman WR Baylor

What is speed? If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sitting down and watching the Baylor Bears you’ll learn all about what speed truly means. One of those Bears has been enjoying an explosive season that’s accounted for more than 1300 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. That player is Corey Coleman, the focal point of this barn burning offense that seem to put up 60+ points every week in a true wild west shoot out.

In his career he’s produced over 3000 yards receiving and is looking to be the next Baylor receiver to make an impact in the NFL. Names like Terrance Williams, Kendall Wright and Josh Gordon should ring a bell. At 5’11 190 pounds Coleman is the deep threat in Art Briles offense, as he’s averaging 18.4 yards per reception on the year. There’s a lot to like about the future prospect who has declared himself for the NFL already.

What to like..

Numbers speak volumes when you talk about skill positions. Coleman’s 33 career touchdowns lets you know that he’s a guy that’s spent a lot of time in the endzone and understands how to position himself for six. He runs great routes downfield and has the speed to separate from defenders while keeping track of the ball. Coleman can turn a five yard slant into an 80 yard touchdown in an instant. Here’s a catch in 2014 playing against the Sooners

As the NFL continuously proves itself to be a passing league receivers of Coleman’s caliber will be called upon. Unlike former Baylor Bear Kendall Wright, I believe that Coleman can end up being a true number two for a team if not a number one. Guys like Steve Smith and Antonio Brown have made a living as “smaller” receivers and they’ve proven to be two of the best when they’re on the field. I’m not saying that Coleman is either of these two but does he have a chance to be presented in that same light? No doubt.

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Areas of Concern…

The first area of concern is that although Coleman is great running down field is he capable of being great at all routes? When you look at Terrance Williams you see a guy who mostly gets his number dialed up when it’s time to go down field but you don’t see enough of him in the intermediate game. While watching the Baylor Bears play is fun you also start to realize that the game becomes more of a track meet than four quarters of hard-nosed football. In the two games where Baylor was held to less than 30 points Coleman was put in check to the tune of eight catches for only 57 yards.

Does he thrive off getting downfield? Of course. However when the game becomes nickels and dimes will he still be relevant in the game plan? Tough to say. Coleman has also struggled on a few dropped passes over the course of the season, most notably on slants which are some of the easier catches to make. He’s made plenty of stellar catches in his career as 33 have gone for 6 but dropping the easy ones may cause concern for some coaches, especially if he’s asked to start in the slot where the ball comes with a zing on it.

Future Outlook..

Corey Coleman could be a first round draft pick that ends up being a guy who can be a huge contributor or a name that we hear every so often. It’s hard to tell with receivers because route running is everything and if guys are willing to take the time and effort to be great at it then they can excel in this league. Those who aren’t so good at route running and try to stick to their craft often struggle and it shows. I think if Coleman can prove himself to be a guy who can run solid routes and make the catches that are expected of him then there’s no doubt he’ll see time on somebody’s field for the length of his career. At 5’11 you’ve got to be able to prove yourself as somebody who sticks out, in this receiver class Coleman is a guy who possesses that ability.

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