The 2016 season started out extremely promising for former third-round wide receiver Sammie Coates, but by the end of it, many fans at least seemed to be ready to run him out of town. Even though he outperformed everybody else in his draft class last year in terms of yards per route run, some nuance is to be taken into account there.
Coates had six receptions of 40 or more yards in the first five games, but he had very little production after that. The separating even between the two time periods was a pair of fractured fingers, and one must wonder how that, and a beefier wide receiver room, will affect his prospects for the 2017 season.
I do believe that, at the end of the day, if he looks like he deserves a role, he will be given a role, even if he might struggle to find opportunities behind the starters. It is another matter as to whether or not he will do so.
There is still a lack of clarity as to whether or not he had his hand surgically repaired, but the offseason should do him good regardless, both physically and mentally, as no doubt the mental aspect played a role in his second-half struggles.
The talent that he exhibited in the first five games didn’t just vanish. It’s still there within him. He is still big, and still fast, and still possesses the ability to track the deep ball.
(Continued)
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/05...e-role-coates/
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With Roku Njoku Sudoki (TE) taken right before our pick in the first, taking JuJu in the 2nd may end up being a great decision.
With the addition of JuJu, Bryant back and Coates healthy, our WR corps looks deep and talented, and I think the added competition will only help ensure Ben is loaded with the weapons he needs come playoff time...
So that we do not have to go into into the playoffs like a 3 cylinder Yugo again.