Erik Coleman

Coleman is slated to be a reserve saftey for the Lions.

Coleman has been, at times, a top-notch ballhawk and a tackling machine. If he ever does both in the same season, he'll be an IDP superstar. In 2009, Coleman racked up the tackles (115) but didn't manage a pick. In 2008 he had three picks but his tackle number was a disappointing 95. Expect him to produce again in 2010 - if he puts it all together he'll be a great value pick.

Coleman rebounded from a subpar 2007 to reclaim his spot among the better IDP defensive backs in the NFL, picking off three passes and just missing a 100-tackle season, even though he was slowed by a quad injury in December. He should have at least one more season of high-level production in him, though he could start losing playing time to 2009 second-round pick William Moore if he doesn’t get off to a hot start.

Coleman racked 51 tackles with the Jets in 2007, and is a major upgrade to the Falcons' shabby secondary. He's a bit of an IDP sleeper in 2008 after a concussion sidelined him for a good chunk of last season.

Show us a defensive back who's had more than 100 total tackles three consecutive years. Show us a defensive back who's had more than 100 total tackles every year of his career. It'll come as no surprise that Coleman loves to fill against the run, so much so that he bites on play-action a little more than his coaches might like. He has good enough speed to get himself into position, can handle blockers and knows how to wrap up when he gets to the ball carrier. On the flip side, he doesn't have the best feel for coverage. He can go deep with receivers and has good playmaking ability and hands, but is shakable. His unmatched tackling track record puts him in the picture as an IDP, but he must regain his touch with balls in the air—his interception totals have dropped every year, from four to one. Granted, he played free safety but now plays the strong side. Yes, he needs the playmaking to be worth a roster spot, but he needs less of it than just about anyone else in the league because of his tackling prowess.

He wasn't the same ballhawk in 2005 as we saw during Coleman's rookie year, but he did a solid job in run support (84 tackles, 37 assists). Coleman and Kerry Rhodes give the Jets a solid, and improving, pair of safeties. Do keep an eye on Coleman's status at training camp, however, as he's recovering from an appendectomy.

Became the starting free safety as a rookie and had a good year, even supplying leadership from the position. He should only improve as he gains experience.

Coleman could compete for playing time at the free safety position this season.