Sammie Coates Is Not What The Seahawks Need

By Dan Viens | Apr 15, 2015

Everyone knows, or at least thinks they know, that the Seattle Seahawks are diligently scouting this year’s deep WR draft class. It’s no secret they need to continue adding dynamic weapons to soon-to-be-rich franchise QB Russell Wilson’s arsenal.

It’s the most intriguing position group to delve into with the draft just over 2 weeks away. All shapes, sizes, speeds and styles are represented on the list of draft eligible pass-catchers. Everything from 5’6″ Shane Wynn to 6’6″ Darren Waller. Guys who run 4.3 40’s to those who run much, much slower. Leapers, sprinters, possession-receivers, return specialists, and is-he-a-WR-or-a-TE? types. And the funny thing about receivers is every one of them can look All World on tape, if all you watch is their highlights.

Even Sammie Coates.

Especially Sammie Coates.

But please, John Schneider, don’t draft Sammie Coates.

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Until 48 hours ago I didn’t think we had to worry about this, not one bit. But then one of my favorite draft analysts, Dane Bruglar of NFLDraftScout.com posted a new 2-round mock, and he had the Hawks taking the former Auburn WR at #63.

"“A player with the size and home-run speed of Coates will give Russell Wilson and the Seahawks a true deep threat.” – Dane Bruglar, Draft Analyst"

Ugh. Deep threat. That’s all Wilson needs? No, he needs a complete receiver. Someone who can win at the line of scrimmage, run effective routs, get open against good man corners and make plays in all areas of the field. Coats isn’t that.

I immediately tweeted Bruglar my disapproval and he quickly replied:

@SeahawksForever I don't disagree at all. I wouldn't take him there either.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 13, 2015

See? I was so distraught I even hit Send without catching a simple typo. And as much of a momentary relief it was to see Bruglar agree with me, it made my heart sink. He doesn’t like Coats to Seattle, but he’s hearing from his sources that the Seahawks might like him there.

Why my disdain for Coats?

He sucks you in with his physical stature and workout numbers. At 6’1″ and a sculpted 212 lbs, Coasts clocked a 4.43 40 at the combine and has reportedly run closer to 4.2. But there’s just one thing…..

He can’t catch.

Apparently that doesn’t matter to some fans, especially those who have an emotional attachment to his college affiliation.

Cool story, except it’s not true. 50 plays of 50 yards each equals 2,500 yards. Coats’ career receiving yardage at Auburn? 1,757.

Want some real stats? How about 45.8% of the routes he ran were the “9” route, aka: run as fast and as long as you can in a straight line. His drop rate? 18.8% That’s other-wordly bad. The worst drop rate in last year’s draft was Martavis Bryant’s 12.5%.

But he can improve, right?

Just like NFL coaches can teach inaccurate QB’s to be accurate right? Jake Locker anyone? Tim Tebow????? Anyone?

Here’s the bottom line: Coates is a great athlete, but he’s not a good WR, and I don’t believe he will become one. Can he? Anything is possible.

Let’s just hope it’s someone else’s team that takes a shot at finding out.

Next: Russell Wilson Needs A Stylist

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