Draft Day Sleeper: Can Sammie Coates Emerge As A Viable Option In Pittsburgh?

by Ray Kuhn

Next man up. While it sounds harsh, that is how things go (and this is especially true in the NFL). Disappointment or a missed opportunity, for one reason or another, results in a gain for another player. As we embark on a new season, we will have many situations like that with one of the most notable likely taking place in Pittsburgh.

With Martavis Bryant suspended for the 2016 season, there will be a beneficiary. We know that Antonio Brown is out of this world, but there has to be more than one wide receiver who catches the ball. Someone needs to replace Bryant’s 50 receptions, 765 yards and 6 TD from last season…

And that will be Sammie Coates.

While Markus Wheaton is listed as Pittsburgh’s number two receiver, he had 44 catches for 749 yards last season, the Steelers offense can support multiple receivers. The problem, though, is that with the absence of Bryant and how Wheaton finished the season, 28 receptions for 476 yards and 4 TD in the last six games, it is unlikely that he will meet or exceed his draft day price.

Coates, on the other hand, can likely be expected to exceed that value. The early NFFC ADP data has Coates coming off the board as the 69th wide receiver taken.

Last season he appeared in just six games, and he caught only one pass for 11 yards. The receiver, who was taken in the third round last season, was drafted more on potential and talent than college production. Excluding his freshman season Coates caught 76 passes in two years at Auburn for 1,653 yards and 11 TD.

We must take things with a grain of salt at this time of the year, but all reports are coming in well for Coates. Based on his athleticism, talent and size (6’1′ and 212 pounds) this should not be a surprise. However, after how his rookie season went, anything would be an improvement.

Based on his lack of production, it was clear that something was missing for last season. The main thing is that it just appeared he wasn’t ready to be an NFL player. Conditioning appeared to be a major issue , so it is a good sign that he was spotted working out at the team facility on multiple occasions per Steelers’ beat writer Mark Kaboly.

I am sure there are others, but every time I come to Steelers facility I see two people finishing workj outs — Landry Jones, Sammie Coates

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) April 8, 2016

Despite the poor regular season, Coates ended the season on a high note as he caught two passes for 61 yards against Denver in the playoffs. He appears poised to build on that, as there has been a noticeable improvement already this off-season to the receiver (click here for the article).

After making minimal impact his rookie year, Coates intensified his training, lost some weight and earned the coaches’ trust during the offseason. The next four months will be big for his development. Where Coates can separate himself is with big plays, which the offense needs without Bryant.

In both his sophomore and junior years at Auburn Coates averaged over 21 yards per reception, so his his big play ability is clear. What we must still remember is that he has yet to put the pads on this summer. Even though all the signs point to him being a sleeper pick this season, we won’t truly know until he gets on the field.

*** Are you still battling for your Fantasy Baseball Title? Make sure to purchase Rotoprofessor’s 2016 Mid-Season Draft Guide for just $4.50 to help!!  Click here for more details ***