Yes, Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are getting most of the buzz around the Cleveland Browns right now. That's understandable when a team has a quarterback battle that could shape the direction of the season. But, there's another rookie making a case for himself.
Cornerback Michael Coats Jr. had an impressive preseason debut, showing the Browns that he may deserve a closer look as they sort through their roster. The undrafted free agent out of West Virginia played only 14 coverage snaps, but he managed to make an impact whenever the ball came his way. Sports news: Commanders’ Dan Quinn is Under Extra Pressure This Season Coats was targeted five times and allowed just two completions for 13 yards.
He also recorded a pass breakup and an interception, giving Cleveland lots to like from a player who entered the league without being drafted. That's a productive afternoon in a small sample. The interception stands out, but Coats' ability to limit damage when targeted may be just as positive.
Giving up only 13 yards on five targets shows that opposing quarterbacks didn't find much success when they went after him. While it's obviously far too early to pencil him into a major role, this is exactly how an undrafted rookie can start getting noticed. Coats earned a 90.0 PFF grade in his preseason debut, putting him among the highest-graded rookies after the first week.
Gordon McGuinness of PFF ranked him among the best rookies in the NFL so far, which gives the young corner another reason for Cleveland fans to keep an eye on him. The Browns have bigger questions to answer, especially at quarterback. Watson and Sanders will continue to dominate the headlines as that competition develops.
More sports: Rams’ Puka Nacua Has to Avoid a ‘Year With Struggles’ Coats, meanwhile, can go about his business without quite as much noise around him. For an undrafted rookie, that might not be the worst situation.
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