Triple Take: Tevin Coleman
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Opinions are good. Multiple opinions are better. In this second installment of “Triple Take,” not one, not two, but THREE of our Dynasty Scouts writers evaluate an up and coming prospect. Having multiple opinions helps DLF avoid the “group think” mentality while providing you the insight you need to dominate your leagues.
Tevin Coleman
Running Back, Indiana University
6’1” 210 pounds
3 star recruit
2012: 51 carries for 225 yards 4.4 yards per carry, one touchdown, ten receptions for 49 yards
2013:131 carries for 958 yards 7.3 yards per carry, 12 touchdowns, 19 receptions for 193 yards
2014: 270 carries for 2036 yards 7.5 yards per carry, 15 touchdowns, 25 receptions for 141 yards
Athletic Profile and Vision
(Whalen) Tevin Coleman has a solid build to potentially carry the load for a franchise. He doesn’t excel at being a physical back, but he can lower his shoulder and run over a defender at times. He has long legs, which help him to stride out on his long runs. Coleman is very explosive in the open field and can score a touchdown from anywhere on the field. His speed could be up to 4.4 flat and he is good at maintaining that pace through long runs. However, he has stiff hips and those long legs make changing directions difficult. I see a glaring issue in his short area change of direction, agility, and creativity. He is much more efficient making diagonal cuts and maintaining his up field momentum than he is making a juke or jump cut. Coleman is a much better runner in space and on outside runs than he is in confined areas. He stays with the point of attack on a rushing play much more often than seeking out a cutback lane. If Coleman has a poor to average offensive line, I fear he will have questionable results rushing the football.
(Leath) Dubbed a wide receiver out of high school, Coleman has a physical profile that suggests he used to play on the perimeter. Long speed is one of the hallmarks of his game, as a smooth gait in the open field allows him to get on top of a defense in a hurry and waste very little motion in the process. He’s got the high-cut running style that turns off many observers who shy away from atypical builds at the position; however, despite his frame he’s a willing combatant at the point of contact, even if his game will never be built around power. Coleman’s subtle movements when approaching the second level can leave defender’s limbs tied up in knots; he’s naturally adept at avoiding big hits and gliding forward for extra yards. Despite possessing sprinter speed and often needing to carry Indiana’s offense, he’s smart with his movements and seldom gets caught in hopeless journeys from east to west. He’s decisive at the line of scrimmage and uses nimble feet to pirouette his way to the second level.
[inlinead](Caraccio) A high cut back, Coleman has a lean physique that is every bit NFL in caliber. Possessing good vision, Coleman is decisive when attacking holes in the offensive line. Coleman shows good patience on his runs, letting blocks set-up in front of him. He makes good decisions with the football and executes plays as designed. It is important note however Coleman is not a robot runner. On several occasions Coleman was able to redirect at speed and run to daylight when a play broke down. One of the most impressive aspects of Coleman’s game as a runner is the incredible burst he displays when attacking the offensive line. He accelerates quickly; getting to top speed in just a few steps. Between the tackles, Coleman combines good vision with above average lateral agility. It seems at times that Coleman can slither through even the tightest creases; incredible when you consider Coleman is 6’1”. Although Coleman possesses a rather upright running style, he also displays great balance and does a nice job of running behind his pads and getting the tough yards. Not a true power back by any means, Coleman can however deliver a blow to a defender and gain extra yards when needed. In the open field, Coleman looks to use angles and foot speed to evade pursuing defenders rather than a myriad of jukes. At the next level Coleman will need to be able to create space at times to gain yardage and at this point I am unsure to what degree he will have success.
Passing Game skills
(Whalen) Coleman has been used in the passing game, but I don’t see a very confident pass catcher. He double clutches and body catches too many passes to be dubbed a third down back at this point in his development. He’s an average pass blocker, but isn’t great in this area. He has the size and willingness to be a much better blocker, but he isn’t there yet.
(Leath) Despite 25 receptions in 2014, Coleman is not asked to do a lot of heavy lifting in the Hoosier’s passing game. He’s operated as a safety valve when the pocket has broken down, as evidenced by a pedestrian 5.6 yards per reception. Ultimately, as a former receiver with giddy-up, he’s got more potential as a receiver than what has demonstrated thus far. Run a wheel route with an athlete like Coleman, and you’re putting the defense in a bind. He has the size to be a capable pass protector, and in mirroring his running style he’s far from shy about making contact. Being a willing blocker is half the battle when it comes to being an effective blocker, and he is well on his way.
(Caraccio) As a pass catcher Coleman ran a limited route tree (mostly screens and swing passes to the flats) for the Hoosiers but looked functional. While Coleman is not a hands catcher and looked far from fluid receiving the ball, he was competent in executing his responsibilities. In pass protection, Coleman looked very good. He regularly established a good base and positioned himself nicely between the pass rusher and quarterback. Coleman consistently attempted to meet pass rushers with a good punch. Although he had trouble anchoring at times, he showed active feet when taking on pass rushers. These types of traits indicate that Coleman could develop nicely as a pass protector at the next level. This will automatically put him in the conversation for a role as a potential three down back.
Dynasty Projection
(Whalen) As I stated above, landing spot is going to be huge for Coleman. If he is used correctly with a good offensive line, he could be a low end RB1. If he lands in an average to poor situation, he will only be the better part of a committee. I compare Coleman to Darren McFadden and DeMarco Murray in terms of body type and running style. One of those backs has thrived behind a good to great offensive line, while the other has struggled immensely. He should be a top 25 dynasty RB as a rookie for a floor.
(Leath) Take a look at the current dynasty rankings for running backs, and you’ll wind up with a pouty face once you pass the very elite. That is about to change, with a deep class of runners set to enter in 2015. Despite the cavalcade of backs poised to enter the NFL, Coleman is one of the best, with a game that translates well in many areas. A day two pick and diverse talent, he’s a top 15 dynasty running back as a rookie and potential RB1 for as long as he’s in his prime.
(Caraccio) Coleman is a very solid running back. He is functional in every facet of the game and projects nicely as an NFL talent. Few backs in this class are as versatile as Coleman. In terms of system, Coleman could be an immediate contributor in either a zone or power running scheme. At the next level Coleman could be a solid two down back immediately in a power running scheme with the potential to become a three down back. In a zone scheme however, Coleman is probably a committee back; creating running room at the second level of the defense is not his strength. As a dynasty commodity Coleman should be expected to garner a good workload from the onset in the NFL. The only running backs I like more so far in this draft are Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon. I would rather use a second round pick on Coleman but I would spend a late first if I had a pressing need at the position.
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Nick can be found on Twitter at @_NickWhalen
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