Colts get severely underrated prospect by signing UDFA Cole Coleman
The Indianapolis Colts won the push for one of the most underrated undrafted free agents around the NFL in 2023: Elon defensive back Cole Coleman. Coleman is signing with the Colts on a priority free agent deal, a source confirms to A to Z Sports. Earlier in the offseason, A to Z Sports reported the […]
The Indianapolis Colts won the push for one of the most underrated undrafted free agents around the NFL in 2023: Elon defensive back Cole Coleman.
Coleman is signing with the Colts on a priority free agent deal, a source confirms to A to Z Sports. Earlier in the offseason, A to Z Sports reported the franchise had reached out to Coleman seeking to lock him up if he fell out of the NFL Draft. Multiple teams had expressed interest in the talented defender,
A five-year player out of college, Coleman's draft process skyrocketed when he hosted an impressive Pro Day that wowed NFL people around the league. Coleman ran a 4.37 40-yard dash, which could've been the fastest time in this year's Scouting Combine at his position.
Coleman's vertical and broad jump would have ranked sixth and fourth against Combine safeties, too.
The Colts weren't alone in their interest in the talented defensive back, as he had received interest from many NFL teams around the league. The Cincinnati Bengals, for example, took the lead on his Pro Day. Over a third of the league's teams showed interest in Coleman, which means Indy will cause some envy in more than one franchise.
In Coleman, the Colts get a UDFA that has a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster. Although he's undersized at 5'9"-5'10", Coleman overcomes it with unique athleticism and more importantly, versatility. Just look at his snaps breakdown from Pro Football Focus:
- 29 – Wide cornerback
- 508 – Slot
- 492 – Free Safety
- 569 – Box
- 22 – Defensive line
He really can line up everywhere, which is of particular interest to the Colts, who have a thin defensive backfield and could use Coleman's help. A jack-of-all-trades, he'll have plenty of opportunities to earn a spot on the team. Not to mention, special teams coaches usually love 4.37 guys on their units.
He doesn't lack the NFL bloodlines either as his dad, Chris Coleman, played 29 games in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans. Coleman's family might have to start rooting for another AFC South team nowadays.
Per Elon's website, Coleman finished his career with 281 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, three interceptions, and nine pass deflections.
