The Minnesota Vikings selected Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Stacy Coley in the 7th round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but what kind of player is he?
This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings lost former first round pick Cordarrelle Patterson as well as past free agent signing Charles Johnson. Because of this, the team needed to address the position during the draft or free agency.
One of the players the Vikings added to their roster was Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Stacy Coley. Minnesota used a seventh round draft pick on the young speedster, hoping to find a gem in the late rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Recently, The Viking Age spoke with Alan Rubenstein from FanSided’s Hurricanes site Canes Warning to find out more about Coley as well as get some insight as to what he offers the team in the future. Here are his responses to our 5 questions:
What are some of the positive things that Stacy Coley will bring to the Minnesota Vikings?
“Coley was a four-year contributor that went from being a speed threat as a freshman to Brad Kaaya’s most reliable receiver as a Senior. Coley caught 33 passes for 571 yards and seven touchdowns for a 17.9-yard average as a freshman in 2013. Last season he had 63 receptions for 679 yards and nine touchdowns to average 12.0 YPC. He set career highs in receptions, yards and touchdowns in his senior season.”
Are there any major reasons the team should be concerned about this pick, on or off the field?
“Coley is a solid player and was a team leader this past season. He team with freshman Ahmmon Richards and Tight End David Njoku to give Brad Kaaya three high-level receivers.”
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Overall, what kind of player did the Vikings get in the seventh round by selecting Coley?
“The Vikings get a speedy player that learned how to become an all-around receiver as a Senior.”
What are some things about Coley that Minnesota fans might not know, but should?
“Coley is also an excellent returner. He focused on bring a receiver as a Junior and Senior but should help the Vikings in the return game. He averaged 24.3 yards per kickoff return with one touchdown and 13.0 yards per punt return during his collegiate career.”
Do you feel Coley will succeed at the professional level with the Vikings?
“Coley should be able to help the Vikings on passing downs and in the return game.”
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Huge thanks go out to Alan Rubenstein from FanSided’s Hurricanes site Canes Warning for taking the time to talk with us about Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver and kick returner Stacey Coley! Hopefully, he can turn out to be the gem the Vikings are hoping he can be.