X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Player Comparisons
News and Alerts

2016 Fantasy Football Sleeper - Wide Receiver Sammie Coates

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.

Editor's Note: RotoBaller has the best Premium NFL Subscription, only $29.99 for the full season. We have all the preseason tools to help win your drafts, and in-season tools to win your seasonal and daily leagues: Draft Kit, Premium Rankings, ADP Sleepers Tool, Matchup Ratings for every player, Daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Lineup Picks, Expert Lineups, Stacks and Avoids.

 

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.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Player Comparisons
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Blake Snell44 mins ago

To Throw Another Bullpen On Saturday
Spencer Turnbull52 mins ago

Could Become Piggyback Option
Vaughn Grissom1 hour ago

Activated And Starting Friday
Nathan Eovaldi1 hour ago

Placed On 15-Day Injured List
Byron Buxton1 hour ago

Going On 10-Day Injured List
NYI1 hour ago

Lou Lamoriello, Patrick Roy To Return Next Season
Mason Marchment2 hours ago

A No-Go For Friday
Craig Kimbrel2 hours ago

Returning To Closer Role Friday
Gabriel Moreno2 hours ago

Back For D-Backs On Friday
Terance Mann2 hours ago

Active At Shootaround
Arturs Silovs2 hours ago

Expected To Go Again Friday
Byron Buxton2 hours ago

No Byron Buxton On Friday
Adin Hill2 hours ago

Back In Goal Friday
Los Angeles Lakers2 hours ago

Darvin Ham Dismissed As Lakers Head Coach
Isaac Paredes2 hours ago

Returns To The Lineup Friday
Auston Matthews2 hours ago

Uncertain For Game 7
Yasmani Grandal2 hours ago

Activated, Henry Davis Sent Down
Tyler Stephenson2 hours ago

Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Tyler Stephenson Back In Lineup
Aaron Rodgers3 hours ago

No Restrictions For Aaron Rodgers During Offseason Workouts
Mac Jones4 hours ago

Jaguars Don't Pick Up Mac Jones' Fifth-Year Option
Jayden Daniels4 hours ago

Has A Chance To Start Immediately
Chase Claypool4 hours ago

Bills Sign Chase Claypool
Steven Matz5 hours ago

Lands On Injured List
Justin Steele6 hours ago

To Start On Monday
Steve Erceg6 hours ago

Has A Chance To Become A Champion
Alexandre Pantoja6 hours ago

Looks To Defend Flyweight Title
Seiya Suzuki6 hours ago

Taking Batting Practice
Justin Steele6 hours ago

To Throw Bullpen Saturday
Nathan Eovaldi6 hours ago

Undergoing MRI Exam
Jarrett Allen6 hours ago

Spotted At Shootaround On Friday
Jackson Chourio6 hours ago

Out Again Friday
Gary Harris7 hours ago

Remains Game-Time Decision
Josh Hart7 hours ago

Shines Again In Game 6 Victory
Michel Pereira7 hours ago

Ihor Potieria Faces Michel Pereira On UFC 301
Joel Embiid7 hours ago

Fouls Out With Big Stat Line In Losing Effort
Odell Beckham Jr.7 hours ago

Signing One-Year Deal With Dolphins
Michel Pereira7 hours ago

Looks To Extend Win Streak To Eight
Paul Craig7 hours ago

Looking To Rebound At UFC 301
Jalen Brunson7 hours ago

Leads Knicks To Series Win Over 76ers
Mason Miller19 hours ago

Could Spark Bidding War At Trade Deadline
Justin Lawrence19 hours ago

Headed For Paternity List
DJ Chark Jr.19 hours ago

Signs With Chargers
Kadarius Toney20 hours ago

Chiefs Decline Kadarius Toney's Fifth-Year Option
Matt McLain20 hours ago

Due For A Checkup
Braxton Garrett21 hours ago

Sharp In Rehab Start
Khris Middleton21 hours ago

Can't Lift Milwaukee To A Win
Damian Lillard21 hours ago

Plays Well In Return
Jarrett Allen21 hours ago

Officially Questionable For Friday
Tim Hardaway21 hours ago

Jr. Still Out For Game 6
Terance Mann21 hours ago

On The Injury Report For Game 6
Kawhi Leonard21 hours ago

Remains Out On Friday
Mitchell Robinson21 hours ago

Will Play In Game 6
Joel Embiid21 hours ago

Ready For Action Thursday
Tyrese Haliburton1 day ago

Officially Available On Thursday
Patrick Beverley1 day ago

Ready For Action Thursday
Khris Middleton1 day ago

Upgraded To Available
Giannis Antetokounmpo1 day ago

To Remain Out On Thursday
Damian Lillard1 day ago

Back For Bucks On Thursday
Steven Stamkos1 day ago

Begins Contract Talks With Lightning
Gary Harris1 day ago

A Game-Time Decision For Friday
Brett Pesce1 day ago

A Potential Option For Round 2
Sam Bennett1 day ago

Should Be Good For Round 2
Adam Fox1 day ago

Doesn't Skate Again On Thursday
Luke Schenn1 day ago

Hopeful For Game 6
Auston Matthews1 day ago

Out For Game 6
Justin Fields1 day ago

Steelers Decline Fifth-Year Option On Justin Fields
Najee Harris1 day ago

Fifth-Year Option On Najee Harris Declined By Steelers
JuJu Smith-Schuster1 day ago

Could Be On His Way Out
Khalil Herbert1 day ago

A Trade Candidate?
T.J. Hockenson1 day ago

Ahead Of Schedule In His Rehab
Nick Chubb1 day ago

"Progressing Nicely"
Caio Borralho1 day ago

Gets Ranked Opponent At UFC 301
Vitor Petrino1 day ago

Puts Undefeated Record On The Line At UFC 301
Anthony Smith1 day ago

A Massive Underdog At UFC 301
Jonathan Martinez1 day ago

Faces A Legend At UFC 301
Jose Aldo1 day ago

Returns At UFC 301
New York Giants2 days ago

Giants Could Sign A Veteran Running Back
Dallas Cowboys2 days ago

Trevon Diggs Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
Daniel Jones2 days ago

Has Been Cutting, Plans To Be Ready For Camp
Malik Nabers2 days ago

To Be No. 1 Receiver Immediately
Trey Lance2 days ago

Cowboys To Decline Trey Lance's Fifth-Year Option
Tyler Boyd2 days ago

To Meet With Chargers, Titans
Jonathon Brooks2 days ago

On Track For Training Camp
Zach Wilson2 days ago

Broncos Not Picking Up Zach Wilson's Fifth-Year Option
Taylor Pendrith2 days ago

A Volatile Option For CJ Cup
Seamus Power2 days ago

Rounding Into Form Ahead of CJ Cup
Davis Thompson2 days ago

A Player To Watch At CJ Cup
Aaron Rai2 days ago

Lacks Upside At TPC Craig Ranch
Min Woo Lee2 days ago

A Dangerous Pick For CJ Cup
Tom Hoge2 days ago

Seeking Second Tour Victory At CJ Cup
Filip Forsberg3 days ago

Collects Two Apples In Game 5 Win
Juuse Saros3 days ago

Comes Through For Predators In Game 5
Nathan MacKinnon3 days ago

Posts Two More Points In Series-Clinching Win
Mikko Rantanen3 days ago

Helps Finish Off Jets With Three Points
Joseph Woll3 days ago

Excellent In Series-Saving Win
Matthew Knies3 days ago

Bangs In Overtime Winner In Game 5
Evgeny Kuznetsov3 days ago

Posts Goal And Assist In Game 5
Seth Jarvis3 days ago

Puts Up Three Points In Series-Winning Game
Mark Hubbard3 days ago

Will Return To Mediocrity At TPC Craig Ranch
Doug Ghim3 days ago

Putting History In Texas Makes Him A Hard Sell
Nate Lashley3 days ago

Looking To Rebound At Byron Nelson
Kevin Yu3 days ago

A Flier Pick With Likeable Upside At Byron Nelson
Andrew Novak3 days ago

Playing Well Heading To TPC Craig Ranch
Patrick Rodgers3 days ago

Withdraws From CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Luke List3 days ago

In Solid Form Heading To TPC Craig Ranch
Tom Kim3 days ago

A Safe Option With A Questionable Ceiling At Byron Nelson
Taylor Montgomery3 days ago

Searching For Form At TPC Craig Ranch
Jason Day3 days ago

To Defend Title At TPC Craig Ranch
Adam Scott3 days ago

Returns To Action At TPC Craig Ranch
PGA3 days ago

Sungjae Im As Good Of A Pick As Any At TPC Craig Ranch
PGA3 days ago

Alex Noren Looks To Take Another Step At TPC Craig Ranch
Mackenzie Hughes3 days ago

Brings Hot Putter To TPC Craig Ranch
Cole Perfetti3 days ago

To Make NHL Postseason Debut Tuesday
Si Woo Kim3 days ago

Trendy Si Woo Kim Heads To Byron Nelson
Connor Hellebuyck3 days ago

Looking To Get Right Tuesday
Chase Elliott4 days ago

Notches Another Top-Five Finish At Dover
Alex Bowman4 days ago

Frustrated After Finishing Eighth At Dover
Matheus Nicolau4 days ago

Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 91
William Byron4 days ago

Botched Pit Stop and Crash Eliminate William Byron From Contention at Dover
NASCAR4 days ago

Martin Truex, Jr. Faded to Third at Dover, but Remains Fastest Driver of 2024
Kyle Larson4 days ago

Late-Race Charge at Dover Comes up Short
Denny Hamlin4 days ago

Takes Checkered Flag at Dover for Third Win of Season
Alex Perez4 days ago

Scores Second-Round Knockout Win At UFC Vegas 91
MMA4 days ago

Ariane Lipski Loses A Decision At UFC Vegas 91
Karine Silva4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Jonathan Pearce4 days ago

Suffers Decision Loss
David Onama4 days ago

Wins Second Fight In A Row
Brad Keselowski4 days ago

A Tire Issue On Lap 118 Impacts Brad Keselowski's Day At Dover
Ryan Blaney4 days ago

Finishes Seventh At Dover
Noah Gragson4 days ago

Nabs A Quality Top 10 Finish At Dover
Kyle Busch4 days ago

Scores His Second Top-10 Finish Of The Year At Dover
Daniel Hemric5 days ago

Ends Up Ninth At Dover
Ty Gibbs5 days ago

Sneaks Into Tenth At Dover On Sunday
Martin Truex Jr5 days ago

. Is One Of The Top DFS Plays At Dover
Tyler Reddick5 days ago

Will Start Fourth At Dover
Michael McDowell5 days ago

Fade Michael McDowell For the Wurth 400 At Dover
Joey Logano5 days ago

Will Not Cause Much DFS Excitement At Dover
Noah Gragson5 days ago

Is Noah Gragson A Sneaky Tournament Play At Dover?
Uros Medic5 days ago

Returns To Win Column At UFC Vegas 91
Tim Means5 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 91
Austen Lane5 days ago

Winless In The UFC
Jhonata Diniz5 days ago

Wins UFC Debut
Ryan Spann5 days ago

Suffers Third Straight Loss
Kyle Larson5 days ago

the Favorite to Win at Dover Despite Qualifying 21st
Chase Elliott5 days ago

a Core DFS Play at Dover
Alex Bowman5 days ago

Always Strong at Dover
Chris Buescher5 days ago

Has DFS Place Differential Upside at Dover
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
UFL DFS PICKS, FANTASY FOOTBALL, DRAFTKINGS, FANDUEL

UFL DFS Lineup Picks: DraftKings Daily Fantasy Fantasy Advice for Week 6

Welcome to Week 6 of the inaugural UFL season, RotoBallers! We have a fun football weekend on tap, and there are many different routes we can take to construct lineups for DraftKings contests. Adrian Martinez and the Birmingham Stallions will take their 5-0 record on the road against the Memphis Showboats, where they're massive 11.5-point... Read More


Fantasy Football Rookie Sleepers You Must Have In 2024

The 2024 NFL Draft is officially in the books and the RotoBaller staff is already looking ahead to the 2024 season to help our readers get the jump on their competition. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones discusses some of the most intriguing rookie sleepers of the 2024 draft class. Which players should you target in Dynasty... Read More


Michael Pittman Jr -Fantasy-Football-Rankings-Draft-Sleepers-Waiver-Wire-Pickups-icon-rotoballer

Avoid These Wide Receivers in 2024: Fantasy Football Outlook

There's still a lot of time between now and the start of the 2024 NFL season, but some people are already drafting, whether it be really early redraft leagues or best ball leagues. That means it's never too early to talk about overvalued players. Sometimes, guys are good, but not quite as good as their current... Read More


Bijan Robinson - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

2024 Fantasy Football: Positive TD Regression Candidates At Running Back

Touchdowns are the name of the game in fantasy football, especially at running back, wide receiver, and tight end. In most leagues, both rushing and receiving touchdowns count for six points. In a half-PPR league, that's the same thing as 10 carries for 40 yards and two catches for 10 yards. Needless to say, touchdowns... Read More


UFL DFS PICKS, FANTASY FOOTBALL, DRAFTKINGS, FANDUEL

UFL DFS Value Plays: Week 6 Bargain Bin for DraftKings Including Danny Etling, Matt Colburn, Jace Sternberger, More

Welcome to the Week 6 edition of RotoBaller's UFL DFS Bargain Bin, where the goal is to touch on some potentially mispriced players in DraftKings' Week 6 UFL contests. Each week during the UFL 2024 season and postseason, I’ll give you my thoughts on where there may be some value spots to exploit for DraftKings'... Read More


Wide Receiver Winners and Losers for 2024 Fantasy Football

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The 2024 NFL Draft is officially in the books and we're looking ahead to which Wide Receivers come out of the draft as the biggest winners and losers for 2024 Fantasy Football. RotoBaller's David Rispoli digs into some of the notable changes at the Wide Receiver position following the 2024... Read More


Running Back Winners and Losers for 2024 Fantasy Football

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The 2024 NFL Draft is officially in the books and we're looking ahead to which Running Backs come out of the draft as the biggest winners and losers for 2024 Fantasy Football. RotoBaller's David Rispoli digs into some of the notable changes at the Running Back position following the 2024... Read More


Javon Baker - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

2024 NFL Draft Sleepers – Best Value Picks At QB, RB, WR, and TE

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. While everyone wants to drool over their team’s first-round draft pick, there were six more rounds after Day 1. Every NFL team will look at their 2024 draft class three years from now and determine whether it was a hit or miss. While the first-round pick will... Read More


Early 2024 Best Ball Rankings Analysis - QB

Over the last few years, Best Ball formats have become increasingly popular among fantasy gamers. Admittedly, I have fallen victim to this trend as I prefer this format over others now. If you're unfamiliar with Best Ball, it takes the headache out of setting a weekly lineup. Instead of individually starting and sitting your wide... Read More


DJ Moore - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Bears Clash - Keenan Allen vs. DJ Moore vs. Rome Odunze in Fantasy Football

The Chicago Bears have revamped their receiving corps over the past couple of seasons. Go back to 2022 and you'll find that the leading wide receiver was Darnell Mooney with Dante Pettis and Equanimeous St. Brown as the main backups. In 2023, the team added D.J. Moore in a trade with the Panthers. Then this... Read More


Colston Loveland - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

An Early Look at the 2025 NFL Draft: Top 30 Prospect Big Board

Alright, team, soon we'll be cruising into the sunny days of summer, and it’s prime time to lay down my Top 30 Big Board for the 2025 NFL Draft. For all you draft junkies who’ve been riding shotgun with me through the mock drafts and scouting reports this season—a huge shoutout to you! Now that... Read More


Jermaine Burton - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

2024 Fantasy Football Rookie Draft Sleepers and Values

The NFL Draft is now in the rearview mirror. We can fully turn our attention to fantasy football rookie draft season. While the early picks in rookie drafts are fairly straightforward, the later rounds can be tricky to navigate. There are sleepers in the draft every year. If you can identify a few, it can... Read More


Marvin Harrison Jr. - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

Updated 2024 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Post-NFL Draft

What's up RotoBallers! It's always football season here, so let's have some fun now that the 2024 NFL Draft is officially in the books! In this article you'll find our NFL team's updated 2024 fantasy football rookie rankings -- the post-NFL Draft edition. Use these fantasy football rookies rankings for your rookie drafts, dynasty drafts, and... Read More