Sammie Coates Declares for 2015 NFL Draft: Latest Details, Reaction

Auburn Tigers star receiver Sammie Coates is forgoing his final year of college eligibility and declaring for the 2015 NFL draft.

Justin Hokanson of 247Sports reported the news Monday, noting that Coates graduated from school on Saturday and will also play in the Senior Bowl.

Coates would later confirm the news via Alex Byington of the Opelika-Auburn News:

The Hokanson report includes the thoughts of ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., who weighed in on Coates and another Auburn wideout who could declare for this year's draft, D'haquille Williams:

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I think they're both similar in terms of where they'll go, maybe late one but probably early to mid two. But like I said with strong workouts, I think you saw all these receivers this year do a great job, some were major bargains. That could be the case with these two if they drop into the second round with late first not remote, but a possibility.

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Bleacher Report draft guru Matt Miller offered his take on Coates:

BBC Radio's Rob Staton evaluated the amazing raw potential Coates has:

There is no denying Coates' talent, but he ran a limited route tree in the Tigers' run-heavy offense. The pass-friendly rules in the modern NFL should help him and other receivers make a more immediate impact than in the past, though.

That should allow Coates to land somewhere near the first round, provided he impresses in pre-draft interviews and thrives in workouts. He's listed at 6'2" and 201 pounds, so he has the kind of size NFL teams covet at the position.

In an Iron Bowl loss to Alabama, Coates had five receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns. That presents an idea of the explosiveness he brings to the field. Over the past two seasons, the dynamic pass-catcher has averaged well over 20 yards per reception.

Due to the big adjustment the NFL represents with a far denser playbook and schematic concepts, whichever team drafts Coates will probably have to be patient as he grasps tougher concepts and works on route running.

However, if Coates falls to Day 2 and lands in the right situation, he could wind up being a special playmaker, making those who passed on him regret it for years to come.