One of the more forgotten about wide receivers in the league is 2016 first-round selection, Corey Coleman. The former Brown pass-catcher signed with the New York Giants after two injury-riddled seasons. After a broken hand derailed his career, he was never able to bounce back and make an impact in the NFL.
With the Giants in 2018, he racked up just 71 yards in eight games with five total receptions. While his influence wasn’t overwhelming, he did play a significant role on special teams as a return man. He averaged 26 yards per return and had a long of 51 yards.
I expect Coleman to make more of an impression in 2019 with the departure of Odell Beckham Jr. By no means do I think he will replace Beckham or even slightly replicate his production, but he does have the talent and skill set to perform at a high level.
Did the Giants take a step in the wrong direction by trading OBJ?
Getting rid of Beckham wasn’t the best move in regard to offensive efficiency, but head coach Pat Shurmur didn’t seem too worried about the unit.
“I think when you play offense, you try and get the most out of the players you have,” Shurmur at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix. “You have to use their skillsets. I do believe that it takes a village to spread the ball around. The quarterback gets the ball out. We have a lot of fine players on offense. We will spread the ball. We will find a way.”
The Giants’ offense without their star wideout, due to a strained groin, averaged three points more per game (25.5 points and 373.8 yards per game). The unit also averaged 25 more yards per game without Beckham.
What makes me think the New York Giants are betting on Coleman?
Big Blue invested a second-round tender on Coleman, tying up $2.025 in cap-space to the receiver. This is an extremely bold move considering his 71 total yards last season. Clearly, this a confidence instilling action by the front office.
At just 24-years-old, the Giants must believe that there’s untapped potential in Coleman. His career-best stat-line is 33-413-3. I expect Corey to slot in as the No. 3 receiver behind Golden Tate and Sterling Shepard, both of which can play as outside options.