Shon Coleman NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Browns Rookie

POSITIVES

Shon Coleman has already beat cancer, so what’s an NFL defensive end to him? In 2010, Coleman was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and would spend two years fighting it off. Once he returned to the field in 2013—after redshirting in 2012—Coleman was the backup left tackle. Since replacing Greg Robinson, he’s been among the best players in the SEC.

As an athlete, Coleman is an easy mover with great length and big hands (10 ⅝”). He’s an elite run-blocker with an excellent mean streak to lock onto defenders and dump them at the end of the play. On both down blocks and reach blocks, Coleman has the strength and agility to clean house. He’s smart on the prowl and takes the shortest path to his assigned man. He’s patient and poised at all times.

Coleman uses his length well and improved throughout the 2015 season with his timing and footwork. He has the strength to win with a punch and will play with nimble feet and good pad height when engaging pass-rushers using inside and outside moves.

With constant tests over the last two seasons in the SEC, Coleman proved his worth. He has the look of an early starter in the NFL.

NEGATIVES

It’s unfortunate to bring up medicals as negatives for Coleman, but that’s the reality of the NFL. A cancer diagnosis will cause questions from NFL scouts and team doctors. A knee injury suffered late in the season will cause Coleman to miss all predraft workouts and is expected to sideline him until mid-summer. As a rookie who turns 25 in November, Coleman will be flagged as an older prospect.

On the field, Coleman has to be more consistent. His mean streak seemed to come and go and didn’t click until late in his final season. His pad height can go from good to bad in a single game, and he’ll revert back to old habits of ducking his head and lunging at defenders with a bent back.

Fixing Coleman’s pad height will be the first chore of his NFL coaches, but that is a coachable issue.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 307 lbs.

40 Time: N/A

Arm Length: 35 ⅛"

3-Cone: N/A

Short Shuttle: N/A

PRO COMPARISON: Russell Okung, Denver Broncos
FINAL GRADE: 6.50/9.00 (Round 2—Future Starter)