Despite finishing his Auburn career with 1,757 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, Sammie Coates had a point to prove during his Pro Day performance.
“I’ve been getting that I’m a freak athlete that can’t catch,” Coates said. “They saw me today catch the ball, so what can they say?”
Professional scouts have long taken notice of Coates’ size and athleticism. He even drew the audience of reigning Super Bowl champion coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots for his Pro Day audition.
“When I saw the Super Bowl coach back there, I said ‘Woah,’” Coates said. “It was good to have him out here to watch us perform.”
Coates said he felt he silenced some doubters during the pass-catching drills, even if some were concerned with his 4.4 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine.
“I was disappointed, but hey, it’s a 4.4,” Coates said. “I’m 212 and I run a 4.4 like those little guys.”
Former teammate Quan Bray said he’s heard doubts about Coates’ hands, but said he felt his roommate silenced them Tuesday.
“I could’ve told y’all that he can catch,” Bray said. “Once he locks in, he’s a beast. I can’t wait to see him at the next level.”
Bray was in Coates’ ear for much of the Pro Day, even shouting at him when Coates dropped a pass over the middle.
“Sammie is my brother,” Bray said. “Ever since I came in, he’s been my roommate and we always had to hold each other accountable. If I ever see Sammie messing up, for me to be his brother, I have to let him know what he’s doing.”
Now that his NFL future is left in the hands of executives, Coates said he is relishing his last few months with his college teammates.
“These are my brothers,” Coates said. “We came in together a lot of these guys and now we’re finishing together. I got their back no matter what happens.”
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