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2016 NFL Draft Profile: Corey Coleman, WR Baylor

By Adam Carlson

Nov 8, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Baylor Bears running back Corey Coleman (1) runs as Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Julian Wilson (2) defends during the game at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Baylor Bears running back Corey Coleman (1) runs as Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Julian Wilson (2) defends during the game at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman is one of the most intriguing young prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft, but Is he a good fit for the Minnesota Vikings?

In today’s NFL, a wide receiver doesn’t have to be 6’3 with a massive vertical to be a team’s #1 option. A guy like Steve Smith or Odell Beckham Jr. can dominate a game by using speed to get separation. Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman might be the next one to follow in those footsteps.

The first thing about Coleman that fans notice is his acceleration. As soon as the play starts, there might as well be a cartoon tail of dust behind him, because he’s moving FAST. He can use this ability to blow past even the fastest cornerbacks in the league or fake them out by hitching back and leaving his defender in the dust.

Related Story: Minnesota Vikings release WR Mike Wallace

Corey Coleman does have a need to be more physical though. He can get pushed around by bigger, stronger, and more physical cornerbacks and neutralize his speed advantage. Dropping passes is also a concern when he has to stretch out to bring in a pass, and is much better when going for body catches than using his hands. He’ll also need to prove that he can run a more diverse variety of routes at the NFL.

Here are Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman’s numbers from the events at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine according to NFL.com:

Sep 26, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Corey Coleman (1) runs for a touchdown as Rice Owls safety VJ Banks (19) misses the tackle during the game at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Corey Coleman (1) runs for a touchdown as Rice Owls safety VJ Banks (19) misses the tackle during the game at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Height: 5’11”

  • Weight: 194 pounds
  • Arm Length: 30 1/4″
  • Hand Size: 9″
  • 40 Yard Dash: N/A
  • Bench Press: 17 reps
  • Vertical Jump: 40.5″
  • Broad Jump: 129″
  • 3 Cone Drill: N/A
  • 20 Yard Shuttle: N/A

    • Corey Coleman compares to:

    • CBS Sports: Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos
    • NFL.com: John Brown, Cardinals

    Fit for the Minnesota Vikings:

    The Vikings will be looking for a wide receiver to fight for a starting job during the 2016 NFL season. Whether it’s a lightning fast route runner like Diggs or a big-bodied pass catcher like Calvin Johnson, Minnesota will want to add talent to that position.

    Next: 5 moves the Vikings should have made in free agency

    My Take:

    Corey Coleman could be the next Steve Smith or he might be the next Troy Williamson. In my opinion, using a first round pick on a guy like Coleman is a big gamble, especially in a draft where there are a lot of bigger, stronger, more physical, and more versatile pass catchers available. Some team will roll the dice on Coleman on day one, but that team should not be the Minnesota Vikings.

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