Kurt Coleman Scouting Report

Kurt Coleman is an excellent football player. His draft stock may hinge on what position, or positions, teams see him playing. Coleman plays strong safety for the Buckeyes, but may have to change positions in the pros. He is a little small for a safety period, and lacks the top end speed to play corner. His best position will likely be free safety, but a solid safety class, coupled with a potential position switch may drop his stock. Coleman tallied 151 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 interceptions, 9 passes broken up in coverage, 2 forced fumbles, and even blocked a kick during his first three seasons with Ohio State. Coleman took his game to a whole other level this season, with 68 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 8 passes broken up in coverage, 3 forced fumbles, and 5 interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Coleman has become a real ballhawk in the middle of that defense. Many GMs will value the leadership he showed by becoming a playmaker for this defense when they were lacking one. Coleman has great instincts and is a solid tackler. He should contribute immediately as a special teams ace. Coleman is likely a mid round pick at this point, but if he comes to the combine bigger without losing speed, he could jump up to the third round. Kurt Coleman participated in the 2010 Senior Bowl, with unspectacular results. Coleman didn't do anything to hurt his stock, but as an undersized safety he needed to come out and wow scouts during the week of practice. He was solid in coverage during the game and registered one tackle. Coleman needs to look impressive at the NFL Combine in February to improve his stock, but he is likely a fourth or fifth round pick.