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2015 NFL Rookie Predictions: Tevin Coleman has skills to surprise

Brad Evans

Poked, prodded, pricked -- pro prospects have been thoroughly examined by franchises leading up to this month's NFL Draft. However, fantasy owners are just now dissecting their Year 1 potential. Over the next several weeks, we'll attempt to channel our inner Mayock determining whether Rookie X will be fantasy flame or lame material this fall. Monday's profile: Indiana running back Tevin Coleman.

College Highlights: The consensus All-American and Doak Walker finalist made tsunami-sized waves his junior year with the Hoosiers. He averaged 169.7 rushing yards per game – a mark higher than 70 of 125 FBS teams – en route to a school record 2,036 rushing yards, the third back in Big Ten history to cross the 2,000-yard threshold. He was the fourth-fastest player in D-1 history to reach the milestone, achieving it on 264 attempts. His absurd 7.54 yards per carry was the fifth-best mark last year. Incredibly, his average TD distance (15 scores) was 40.3 yards.

Pluses: Aggressive, relentless north-south runner who isn't shy about contact. Pedal-to-metal accelerator (4.39 40-yard dash) who explodes through tight spaces and leaves second/third-tier defenders eating dust in the open-field, a true home-run hitter. Patience, vision and change-of-direction not outstanding but solid. Balanced with well-built frame (5-foot-11, 206 pounds). Versatile. He grabbed 54 passes over three seasons. Relatively low mileage left plenty of tread on the tires. Strong grip. Fumbled once every 65 carries. Commendable pass-blocking technique. Tough. Tough. Tough.

Minuses: Coleman's upright style leaves him susceptible to lower body injuries. Durability could be a concern. Must lower shoulder when finishing runs as a preventative measure. Despite violent running ability, he goes down on first contact too often. Not a fall-forward runner. Leg drive in crowds must improve. Needs to scan and discover cut-back lanes better on stretch plays. Not especially creative. Can be too straight-line. Lack of power could force him to surrender touches near the goal-line.

Pro Comp(s): DeMarco Murray, Darren McFadden, Chris Johnson

Team Fits: Baltimore, Arizona, Dallas, Minnesota, Jacksonville, Detroit

Projected ADP/Auction Value ($200 cap): 145-155 (RB44)/$3-$6

Fearless Forecast: There's no disputing Coleman's Indy car speed and long sprints to the end zone. The kid might be the most explosive back in this year's class. His experience on passing downs working as a receiver/blocker should benefit him greatly at the next level. Overall, the IU product has three-down potential, but because he isn't a pile-mover, he could cede touches inside the 10. Still, he's a talented, somewhat polished playmaker who could step into the right situation and rip off eye-popping runs. A likely Round 2 or Round 3 selection in the NFL Draft, he's a name to closely monitor. If given an opportunity immediately, it's no stretch to think he threatens Gurley/Gordon for most productive rookie RB. There's real high-end RB2 potential here in 12-team leagues.

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