Sammie Coates had only one regular season catch in 2015, and he did not start one game until Antonio Brown went down with a concussion in the playoffs. Realistically, his 2016 outlook is based on an extremely small sample size.

However, I am a big fan of Coates at his current value, and I will dive into why in this piece.

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A Deeper Dive into Sammie Coates

Sammie Coates was drafted out of Auburn University by the Steelers in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Those who watched him play in college knew of his upside, but also understood that he had some shortcomings. Coates was notorious for not finishing his routes on deep passes, and relying too heavily on his natural physical ability to make plays. His route running needed improvement, but he was still able to average 20.9 yards per reception in his time at Auburn. As a prospect, Coates was as raw as they come, but he offers tremendous potential.

To say someone’s potential is “tremendous” is often hyperbole, but that is not the case with the Steelers 2nd year wideout. Coates placed top five in four out of seven statistical categories for wide receivers at the NFL Combine, including first place in bench press with 23 repetitions, second in the 20-yard shuttle (4.06), third in the broad jump (10’11), and fourth in the vertical jump (41 inches). His 40-yard dash time of 4.43 seconds left him just outside the top 10. Add in his 6’1, 212 lb frame, and you begin to see the makings of a deep threat receiver with elite strength.

The Next Breakout Sophomore Wide Receiver?

The Steelers saw the raw nature of Coates’ ability, and decided to keep him sidelined for the majority of the season to develop as a receiver at the NFL level. With a player like Coates, it is imperative to focus on the “between the ears” game before anything else. It was fairly well known that Coates often did not see eye-to-eye with his college quarterback, Nick Marshall, but the Steelers have the luxury of  an elite quarterback under center in Ben Roethlisberger. So, Coates spent most of the season working on his route running, and learning to control his body. With Coates on the bench, the Steelers’ elite group of wideouts helped carry them to a 10-6 record, despite losing star running back, LeVeon Bell, early in the season to a torn ACL.
This was important for Coates’ development, as a rookie season laden with doubt and struggle could have derailed Pittsburgh’s newest project. It was never about his ability to perform in 2015 that kept him away from regular playing time. It was an investment into the future of the player as well as the franchise.

Sammie Coates got his first chance to shine during a game when Antonio Brown went down with a concussion in the AFC wildcard game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In the divisional playoff championship game against the Broncos, Coates caught two of three targets for 61 yards, including a 3rd and 8 short pass that featured Coates’ breakaway ability. Even though the window off opportunity was brief, it became clear that Coates possessed the ability to be a receiver who is fun to watch in the NFL.

When Sammie Coates was drafted, many were left scratching their heads at what appeared to be a slightly shorter version of Martavis Bryant being added to an already deep receiver core. After they became aware of Bryant's 4 game suspension in 2015, the Steelers knew there would always be the possibility of a season long suspension, which came to fruition earlier this offseason when Bryant was suspended for the entirety of the 2016 season. In addition, Heath Miller’s retirement has left the Steelers without two of Big Ben’s three favorite targets. Now, instead of working the phones in search of a replacement, they will give Coates a much bigger role in the offense. Bryant’s role in 2014-15 was to take some of the pressure off of Antonio Brown, by forcing safeties to account for him in deep coverage, and making things harder on the corners. If anyone can fill that role, it is Coates. His strength is perfect for overpowering corners, and his speed is enough to create separation, regardless of who is lined up opposite him.

While various comparisons will be drawn between Coates and other receivers leading up to the start of the 2016 season, I want to focus more on the opportunity. Coates is currently being drafted as the WR55 off the board according Fantasy Football Calculator Standard ADP. If he doesn’t work his way up the board, Coates could potentially be picked up off of waivers in some leagues. With Miller and Bryant’s 173 collective targets being up for grabs, and only perennial “under-performers Markus Wheaton, Ladarius Green and Darrius Heyward-Bey to compete with, how much more upside could you ask for at that spot on the board?

Do you remember Antonio Brown’s 2010 rookie year? Probably not, he was only granted 19 targets, catching 16 of them, for 167 yards and no touchdowns, despite playing in nine games that season. What happened in 2011, you ask? Brown made 69 receptions out of 123 looks, tallying 1,108 receiving yards, reaching the end zone twice. What led to the explosion? Hines Ward was in his final season at 35 years of age, and did not possess the speed and quickness that he once had. The Steelers needed an answer, and they found it in their sophomore stud. Let us not forget that Mike Wallace had his career best season in 2011, and Heath Miller was still in his prime. This opportunity is even bigger for Coates. Big Ben will be throwing, and he needs someone to throw to. Sammie Coates will be that guy, in my opinion.

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