New Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Sammie Coates caught 82 passes for 1,757 yards during his career at Auburn and 13 of those resulted in touchdowns. What’s even more impressive, however, is the fact that 12 of them were 33 yards or longer.
Coates scores came from distances of 33, 9, 68, 43, 36, 67, 88, 39, 38, 56, 57, 34, and 68 yards, according to Pro Football Reference. He averaged 21.4 yards per catch while at Auburn and that reminds of numbers that former Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace posted during his time in Pittsburgh. Last season, Coates had an average of 21.79 yards per catch and that ranked third in the nation.
Coates has the speed needed to get downfield and he also possesses good body flexibility, balance and body control. While he has had drop issues, he does track the flight of the ball in the air very well.
The Steelers intend on using Coates initially as a “Z” receiver, according to wide receivers coach Richard Mann.
