Sammie Coates WR Auburn #18
Wt: 201
[level-scouting-reports]
Size/Athleticism: Elite athleticism. Explosive with above average speed for his size. Capable of making acrobatic plays look easy. Plays stronger than you’d expect based on his measurables. Straight-line speed makes him a decent weapon after the catch, but he doesn’t routinely make guys miss in the open field.
Separation Skills: Capable of fighting through press coverage. Quick footwork at the LOS allows him to beat press coverage with minimal contact at times. Athleticism and relatively long arms gives him a nice catch radius. Routes are sloppy. Not exceptionally explosive out of his breaks, but it’s not due to a lack of ability. He flashes explosion, but it’s inconsistent. Does not do the little things (subtle head fakes, adjusting acceleration, etc) to cause missteps from defensive backs. Does not do a great job working back to the quarterback.
Ball Skills: Exceptional leaping ability, which allows him to play as though he’s a few inches taller. Needs to show better timing when going up for contested catches. Lets the ball come to him far too often, giving smaller defense backs an opportunity on balls that Coates should win every time. Doesn’t do a great job tracking and adjusting to the ball in the air.
Intangibles: Minimal development with his hands raises some concern as to his work ethic.
Durability: Played through a knee injury (deep bone bruise) in 2014.
[/level-scouting-reports]
Overview: Coates is a special athlete with a fascinating blend of size and speed. However, inconsistent hands and sloppy routes make him a developmental prospect. Someone will fall in love with Coates’ upside and likely overdraft him. But given the fact that he is sloppy and inconsistent in all of the little things a receiver needs to do well, it’s foolish to bet on him ever reaching his ceiling in the NFL. While he has the upside of a future No. 1, a more realistic projection has him as a solid No. 2 or 3 who frustrates coaches and fans with sloppy mistakes throughout his career.
