Tevin Coleman 2015 NFL Draft scouting report

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Tevin Coleman

• Position: RB/SB (running back, slot back)
  
• Class: Junior
  
• College: Indiana
  
• Ht/Wt: 6'1", 210 pounds
  

Scouting Report

Tevin Coleman reminds me of C.J. Spiller in many ways. On film, he stands out with excellent speed, along with great acceleration and balance, allowing him to press a block and explode through the gap for a long run. Coleman's vision is a bit below average; he usually doesn't read all three levels of the defense, and he doesn't naturally set up blocks. Coleman isn't very patient; he will either slam into the line at high speed, or stretch the play out towards the sidelines looking for a cutback. Neither approach will work well in the NFL.

Despite his build, Coleman doesn't seem to carry many defenders forward with his running, and isn't very successful between the tackles. It should be noted, though, that by playing for Indiana University, he wasn't exactly given talented teammates to block around him. Coleman is dangerous in space because of his long speed, and he does a great job of making small cuts to slide around defenders at the second level. His pass routes mostly consisted of lots of swing passes. Like Spiller, he is very adept at turning those swing passes into serious gains, thanks to his speed and athleticism.

His pass blocking technique is decent, but he doesn't have great anchoring strength, and he doesn't always choose the right defender. You'd think a guy with his athleticism would be a good returner too, but Indiana didn't bother trying him there; he only has 30 career kick returns, with 24 of those happening his freshman year, and none happening this season.

Grade

I imagine there are a lot of Coleman fans out there. There are a lot of traits to like, with his easy athleticism and the untapped potential as a receiver and kick returner. I actually think that Coleman might be an effective slotback in the NFL, hopping around the formation as a running and receiving threat. I'm not that sold on him as a full-time starting running back, despite his big size and athleticism, mainly because I keep seeing Spiller on film. Not the developed Spiller capable of running for six yards per carry, but the rookie Spiller who took a few seasons to gain his footing in the league. If I'm going to spend a draft pick on Coleman with that hindsight, I don't think I'd invest anything earlier than a third-round pick.