Scouting: Sammie Coates – WR, Auburn

Pos./School: WR/Auburn

Year: Junior (RS)

HT/WT: 6’ 1 3/8”, 213 lbs.

Expected draft pick: Late first, early second round

Sammie Coates was one of three redshirt juniors eligible to participate in the Senior Bowl (graduated early). At weigh in, his frame was lean, muscular, and his arm length is something to note at 33 ½”. Longer than some offensive linemen measured at the Senior Bowl. In front of the scouts, he burned TCU cornerback, Kevin White (early second round talent), for a touchdown, streaking down the sideline. He is expected to run the 40 yard dash in the 4.3 range. If he does so at the combine, expect him to shoot up draft boards.

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Coates doesn’t lack confidence, which is an important trait for a WR. When asked by Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, which player he patterns his game after…

“I think Julio Jones: size, speed, physical,” Coates said of the Atlanta Falcons wide receiver. “That’s how I conduct myself. My size, my speed, my physicality, my big-play abilities, I bring a lot to the table. I’m always making big plays.” 

Coates leaves the SEC and the Auburn Tigers after catching 34 balls for 741 yards and four touchdowns last season. His statement game came in the Iron Bowl loss to Alabama where he posted five receptions for 202 yards and two TDs. Stepping up when the spotlight is on, when it’s against a hated rival is a trait I love.

As sophomore, Coates had 42 catches for 902 yards and seven touchdowns.

Here are a few clips of the good and bad from Sammie Coates. Featured are games against LSU from 2014, and 2013 contests with Arkansas and Texas A&M, both on the road. The Aggies were ranked #7 in the nation at the time.

Against LSU, Coates goes up against a big and talented sophomore CB, Rashad Robinson who stands 6’3”. You’ll also notice Coates is hampered with a knee injury, evident by the brace on his left knee. Probably limitied his ability to make precise cuts.

Here is your typical “9” route. Coates gets position on the bigger defender. Makes a nice hands catch, finishes the play with a nose for the goal line.

Here is a good look at Coates’ open field skills. He makes two guys miss in order to move the sticks, and is able to turn up field for another 10+ yards.

Here against Arkansas, Coates does a wonderful job tracking the ball in the air, adjusting to the under thrown ball, and despite slowing down to make the catch, picks the speed right back up and no one can catch him.

 Here’s a clip that needs no introduction. Sammie Coates is…physical…

….and…fast….

Here are a couple not so good looks at Coates. In this clip, does he give up on the play? He doesn’t establish good position. Didn’t sell the hitch route if that’s what it was. Didn’t finish the “9” route if that’s what it was. Then when he decided to go for the ball he didn’t really go after it aggressively.

No excuse for this. It was the sun, right?

Strengths:

– Size and speed if that 4.3 40 time is true

– Acceleration

– Takes the top off a defense

– Positions himself well to optimize catching probability

– Long arms, bigger catching radius

– Not shy in the spotlight/rivalry games. Bigger the game, bigger he plays

– Wont shy away from run blocking

– Dangerous in the open field

– Physical, he’s a “football player”

 Weaknesses:

– Lack of focus

– Inconsistent speed

– Drops at times, but the good plays certainly outweigh the bad

Overall: If you like Torrey Smith, Coates could be the replacement without having to give Torrey the large contract, which is debatable if he even deserves one.  Coates shows a little of Torrey in his game, with the ability to get deep and hit the home run big play, or open things up for receivers underneath. He was always near the top in yards per catch, like Torrey. Could be a huge factor in the west coast passing system. His physicality as a receiver is something Torrey lacks. For Coates, things like lack of focus, inconsistent speed, those are things that can be coached up and I wouldn’t worry about being an issue.