Here you can see Coleman play both the outside and inside. While he isn’t the fastest guy on the field, running a 4.61 at the NFL Combine, Coleman still finds way to create separation. He occasionally uses his size to overpower corners. And while his route running still needs to work, there’s an intelligence to his game in knowing where his leverage, aiding him in creating space.
Again, you can see the manipulation above. When he is able to trick a defender, he makes them pay.
Coleman is also a YAC threat, being able to make players miss after catching the ball. He’s a big-play threat every time the ball is in his hands, because his size makes him a tough player to bring down.
His physicality, in my opinion, will win over the Lions. He isn’t afraid to rough up a cornerback and do what he can to get open. He will have to be careful to not be too aggressive when running routes, but it’s going to be hard for defenders to try and fight that if they aren’t prepared. While his run blocking isn’t his strong suit, with the right coaches in Detroit, he already has the physical tools to improve there.
How Does Player Fit?
The Lions are in need of some help at the wide receiver position, specifically a big-body type of receiver who has a great catch radius and isn’t afraid to jump up for it as well. While St. Brown and Williams are helpful, quick, and fast, they don’t have the height Coleman has. The X receiver spot right now would be held by Peoples-Jones, who is listed as 6-foot-2. At 6-foot-4, Coleman would step in and immediately be the tallest wide receiver on the team.
Adding Coleman would also help Detroit’s depth. The Lions have just four wide receivers on their roster with starting experience. Sliding a guy like Peoples-Jones down to a reserve role makes the team better served to handle injury.
If Coleman gets selected by Detroit, he has a chance to have an instant impact on the roster. Not only will he bring a unique skillset to the receiver room, but with his punt return experience, he could also be in play for Detroit’s kick returner role, given the new rules.
Coleman may not be an instant starter. As with any rookie he would have to show his worth in training camp and preseason to earn the wide receiver three spot. But it wouldn’t take long for him to make an impact.
