Panthers NFL Draft Prospect - Justin Coleman

[Jeremy Igo]

Justin Coleman - CB - Tennessee 

5'11 , 185lbs 

 

This year I expect the Panthers to address their need for a nickel in the mid to late rounds of the NFL Draft. Last season we saw the Panthers adjust to not having a solid nickel option by often going with their "buffalo" package, which placed safety Colin Jones in the nickel spot. While this had positive results in run defense, it was a liability at times against the passing game. 

 

A guy they could be targeting is Tennessee corner Justin Coleman. 

 

The Panthers met with Coleman at the East West Shrine Game and were impressed with him. Coleman is a perfect fit for what the Carolina Panthers look for at the nickel position. Namely, tenacity and run stopping ability. Coleman spent most of his senior year at nickel for the Vols, and had his best college season to date. 

 

Coleman helped himself greatly at the NFL Combine when he ranked as one of the quickest corners, posting top 5 results in both the 20 and 40 yard shuttle. He posted a 4.5 40 yard dash which gave his straight line speed the 6th best ranking.  Throw in the fact that his 20 reps on the bench press was the third best in the group and it is clear Coleman has the physical skills the Panthers look for at nickel. These impressive combine numbers could possibly take him out of the sixth or seventh rounds and up into the fourth or fifth.

 

The Panthers are expected to have at least one compensatory draft pick in the area Coleman is projected to be selected. This only increases the odds of Gettleman pulling the trigger on him. 

[The Huddler]

I feel like we will draft a stud outside corner and move Bene to nickel.

[Jeremy Igo]

I feel like we will draft a stud outside corner and move Bene to nickel.

 

 

Bene was one of the highest ranked corners in the entire NFL last season. Why move him to corner? 

[@bonafidebanter]

Justin Coleman helped himself a lot at the combine. Would be a great fit here. 

[Professor Queso]

wouldn't mind this guy, can never have too many athletic cb's or nickle backs. Looks to be a ball hawk, im starting to notice a trend in the DB's we like to bring in.

[The Huddler]

Bene was one of the highest ranked corners in the entire NFL last season. Why move him to corner?

Well, when you put it that way..

[The Huddler]

I figured we drafted Bene as a beast nickel, and that we would continue with that plan. If hes a great fit outside, keep him outside

[KSpan]

Bene was one of the highest ranked corners in the entire NFL last season. Why move him to corner?

I agree with you, and Bene's abiliy at both spots gives the Panthers flexibilitywhen it comes to corners. If the value is there during the draft for a guy better suited on the outside, they could take the same approach they did with Captain and let Bene play outside in the base and move inside in the nickel.

Edited February 27, 2015 by KSpan

[EMSMedic79]

I would love to see him available when G-Man is ready to pull the trigger. He'll do well at the NFL level.

[davos]

I agree with the Bene at Nickel if we find a more natural outside guy.  The top of the draft is really solid with those types...the rest is cluttered with these small framed nickels and Tampa 2 guys all lacking deep speed.  We need deep speed.  

 

Bene is great but valid points have been brought up. 

[Jeremy Igo]

I agree with the Bene at Nickel if we find a more natural outside guy.  The top of the draft is really solid with those types...the rest is cluttered with these small framed nickels and Tampa 2 guys all lacking deep speed.  We need deep speed.  

 

Bene is great but valid points have been brought up. 

 

 

Wait, the Panthers have a rookie that ranked as one of the best corners in the league. Most draft redo's have Bene as a first rounder in 2014. So the Panthers should downgrade him to a part time player at nickel? Won't happen. 

[Dex]

Wait, the Panthers have a rookie that ranked as one of the best corners in the league. Most draft redo's have Bene as a first rounder in 2014. So the Panthers should downgrade him to a part time player at nickel? Won't happen.

The nickel is usually our base defense for one. Also most teams put their speedy playmakers in the slot (Edelman, Cobb, Sanders). Usually the nickel is on an island as well with no help. The nickel position is VERY important in our defense. Edited February 27, 2015 by Dex

[The Huddler]

Wait, the Panthers have a rookie that ranked as one of the best corners in the league. Most draft redo's have Bene as a first rounder in 2014. So the Panthers should downgrade him to a part time player at nickel? Won't happen.

to clarify, i dont view nickel as a down grade. We play a ton on nickel its almost like a base defense for us.

But, if we draft a stud outside guy who comes out When were 4-3 and such.. thats the problem with my initial thought.

[The Huddler]

The nickel is usually our base defense for one. Also most teams put their speedy playmakers in the slot (Edelman, Cobb, Sanders). Usually the nickel is on an island as well with no help. The nickel position is VERY important in our defense.

damn, you beat me. Agree man