Atlanta Falcons Draft Spotlight: RB Tevin Coleman
The days of Steven Jackson trotting onto the field as the starting running back for the Atlanta Falcons are now over.
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Antone Smith was re-signed in free agency but Jacquizz Rodgers has joined the Chicago Bears.
We now look to young back Devonta Freeman to be a key component in the ball-carrying department.
With only two running backs in the backfield with regular season experience, as well as a zone blocking scheme planning to be installed by new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, we’ll take a look at a potential Falcons draft pick in Tevin Coleman of Indiana who can join Freeman and Smith.
Tevin Coleman: Draft Profile
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 206 pounds
Strengths: Coleman is a game-breaking running back who runs with power and great vision.
He has the ability to turn on the extra gear to stretch a 20-yard gain into an 80-yard touchdown.
He possesses the ability to take away angles from defenders and is also very fluid in the hips.
Coleman torched Ohio State for 228 yards and three touchdowns, and also totaled 2,036 yards and 15 touchdowns this past season.
Weaknesses: Coleman obtained a broken foot during the 2014 season which caused him to miss the NFL Scouting Combine in February.
He doesn’t always show patience when plays are being stretched.
Coleman has an upright running style that he utilizes while running through the hole, which can lead to exposure and possible turnovers or injuries.
He is not a great pass blocker and doesn’t have much agility. Yes he possesses great size, but he doesn’t always use it. There are times he runs physical and there are times when he needs to run physical in order to break tackles and he doesn’t.
Bottom line: Looking at Coleman’s highlight film is a treat. Coleman has NFL type speed and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. His foot injury is worth monitoring although with proper treatment and rehab he should be ready by Week 1.
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Whispers have been floating around that Coleman may possibly be a first-rounder, however I feel he fits best in the second-round territory.
With Shanahan implementing the zone blocking running scheme, the offense has the scat back and the one cut smaller size back in Smith and Freeman respectively.
What the team doesn’t have is a big thumper. Someone who can come in, get 15-18 carries a game and truly wear out a defense.
Coleman doesn’t have the patience that is required for the zone blocking scheme but that can be taught.
Evan Silva of Rotoworld believes Coleman will be drafted high:
Tevin Coleman is straight linish & doesn't beat contact enough but he can pass protect & is gonna be drafted high. I think he'll play early.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) March 26, 2015
The Falcons could possibly snatch up the former Indiana running back and create a solid trio that Falcons fans will appreciate.
Coleman College Stats
Provided by Sports-Reference.com/CFB: View Original Table
Generated 4/11/2015.
Next: Atlanta Falcons: 5 Potential Draft Sleepers