Ranking the Top 15 Running Backs in the 2015 NFL Draft

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6. Tevin Coleman, 5’11, 206, Indiana

Tevin Coleman was one of the most productive college running backs in the nation in 2014, and he seems like a good candidate to carry that same productivity along to the NFL. He’s a sturdy back without a lot of wear on his tires (452 career college carries), and seeing as he emerged so significantly during his junior season, it figures that he has a good chance to be an even better pro than he was a college player.

Coleman has great burst once he gets past the line of scrimmage, and he consistently accelerates when he gets into open space. He’s not physical enough to truly be called a “power back” , but he is willing to show some toughness if he needs to pick up a first down. He’s a very good pass protector. Though he hasn’t done it regularly since his freshman year, he also has the skill set to be a dynamic kick returner at the NFL level.

As for the negatives, Coleman doesn’t always hit the hole quickly or forcefully enough, and he tends to stop his feet at the line. He doesn’t do a spectacular job of breaking tackles, and he tends to get wrapped or tripped up rather easily. Coleman’s catching skills are a potential concern, even though he’s been productive as a receiver at the collegiate level.

Coleman is more technically raw than some of the more polished players in this class, like Gordon and Cobb, so he may take a bit longer to get up to speed and start making big contributions. He has one of the higher ceilings in this running back class, though, and he should go off the board during the second or early third round.

Next: T4. Ameer Abdullah