Training Camp Profile: CB Xavier Coleman

Here is the New York Jets training camp profile of undrafted cornerback Xavier Coleman.

After the 2017 NFL Draft, general manager Mike Maccagnan and the New York Jets went looking for prospects to bolster the team’s roster. What they found in the form of Xavier Coleman might very well be a good fit for head coach Todd Bowles and his defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson.

Below is a training camp profile for Coleman as he prepares to do his best to make the final roster of the Jets.

2016 SEASON REVIEW

Coleman signed with the Jets in May and has now been through his first NFL spring practices. He played his college ball with the Portland State Vikings, where he became a leader in their defense.

The young free agent measures in at 5’11 and 190 pounds. Not invited to the 2017 NFL Combine, his pro day results are fairly impressive. His 40 speed is listed at 4.50 seconds, not top speed for an NFL cornerback. Though his times in 20-yardyard shuffle (4.15 seconds) and the three-cone drill (6.81 seconds) indicate that he is fluid in changing directions to stay with receivers. He also impressed scouts in attendance with a 40″ vertical jump, a 10’6″ broad jump and 17 reps of 225 pounds.

Coleman excelled in man to man coverage while at Portland State, where he gained a reputation as a strong physical corner at the line of scrimmage. He totaled the following stats through four years: 45 games played, 152 tackles, 107 solo tackles, 45 assisted tackles, and six tackles for loss. In addition, he was credited with one sack, a forced fumble, and nine interceptions.

2017 SEASON OUTLOOK

Of course, Coleman will face a steep climb in competition at the NFL level, and he’ll need to work hard to impress the Jets coaching staff enough to make the roster in 2017.

That is not to say that he can’t, there are numerous concerns with the Jets secondary and their special teams, so with hard work, there is a chance that with a strong showing this summer he could pull it off.

Known for his physicality in bump and run coverage, Coleman’s skill set plays nicely into Bowles system. Bowles employs a lot of man to man coverage and likes his cornerbacks to be physical with receivers at the line. Coleman showed he’s a solid tackler and is not afraid to get in the mix to stop the run as well.

Coleman’s journey to the NFL is a story in itself. Back in high school, he was diagnosed with a heart disorder that would surely end his football career. After enduring open heart surgery, he was miraculously allowed to return to football and hasn’t looked back since. Pretty impressive if you ask me!

TRAINING CAMP PREDICTION

I would think that a reasonable expectation for Coleman this year would be a practice squad spot. He does, however, have potential, the Jets aren’t particularly strong at cornerback, so training camp will be the deciding factor. I myself am rooting for him since as a Jets fan, I often root for the underdog. Wishing Coleman the very best of luck.

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