Detroit Lions Draft: Seven-Round Mock (January Edition)
By Alex Reno
Nov 29, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Tevin Coleman (6) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Indiana defeated Purdue 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths
Tevin Coleman is a very intriguing prospect who managed to set multiple school records behind an extremely suspect offensive line. He looks very fast on tape (4.38-4.45 range) and his vision is unparalleled.
Coleman shows great acceleration and does a great job of knowing when to go slow to the hole and burst through. He’s able to play skinny and squeeze through holes that many wouldn’t see.
What I love about Coleman is that he doesn’t look to dance around in the backfield or force it outside. He’s a north/south runner that is always fighting for extra yardage.
Weaknesses
Durability will be a concern with Coleman who is coming off of surgery on his toe and foot. It remains to be seen whether he’ll participate in the NFL Combine, but I’m sure teams have seen enough on tape to figure out that he’s at least worth a second or third round pick.
Coleman has soft hands in the pass game, but I haven’t seen enough from him in that area to mark it down as one of his strengths. Like most running back prospects, he also needs to work on his blocking ability.
How He Fits
The Detroit Lions are aching for a feature back to take over on offense and Tevin Coleman may be the best pure runner in this year’s class.
General manager Martin Mayhew and the front office will have to make a decision on whether they want to keep Reggie Bush, but regardless, I don’t see him as a feature back for the Lions. Bush and Joique Bell are important pieces for the Lions, but they’re no more than role players.
Game Tape
For more videos on Tevin Coleman visit Draft Breakdown.
Next: Round 3