Sammie Coates NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Steelers Rookie

STRENGTHS

A naturally gifted athlete with size, speed and upside, Sammie Coates has the explosive ability to take the top off defenses. Coates is built like a young Terrell Owens and has the speed to match. He lives up to his 4.43 speed and can tear defenses apart with his short-area quickness and burst after the catch.

Coates has big-play strength and can get off jams with his length and upper-body power. He demands safety help and will see bracket coverage in the NFL if he can connect on a few deep passes. He’s able to separate with speed and length. He’s an upside bet who could pay off in a big way.

WEAKNESSES

Drops and a limited route tree are major issues on Coates’ tape. He has elite potential, but until he can clean up concentration drops and learn a full route tree, he’s a gamble.

Coates comes out of a run-first offense and is not NFL ready. He has the arm length (33 ⅜") to have a huge catch radius, but it’s not there on film. He’s not natural when attacking the ball. Many of his drops look like he’s misplaying the ball in the air, and Coates has to learn to see the ball and adjust his speed likewise. Too often, he doesn’t accelerate to the top end and fails to play to his true speed.

He’s a boom-or-bust player with athleticism but a lack of football traits.

2014 STATISTICS

Receptions        Yards Receiving               Touchdowns
34                              741                                       4

PRO COMPARISON: Kenny Britt, St. Louis Rams

A bit of a gamble as a natural receiver, Coates’ physical traits and upside are comparable to Kenny Britt's.

FINAL GRADE: 5.50/9.00 (Future Starter)