Eagles, Coleman Come To Terms On Contract
By Lance Epstein
Earlier this evening the Philadelphia Eagles and safety Kurt Coleman put the finishing touches on a four-year contract.
Coleman (5-11, 192) is just the second draft pick out of 13 total picks to strike a deal with the Eagles. Although he is the second rookie to sign a contract this week, as earlier in the week running back Charles Scott was signed.
Unfortunately Coleman has not been able to participate at the team's OTAs because the NFL has a rule that stipulates no player still enrolled in school can participate in OTAs. That said, Coleman is expected to be at next week's OTAs.
The seventh-round pick [last selection by the Eagles] earned high honors playing safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes. As a senior, he was named first-team All-American by The Sporting News Magazine. During his final collegiate season, he registered 68 tackles, five interceptions and forced three fumbles.
Before this week, Coleman was probably on the fence for making the team. Additionally, he wouldn't have made it to the Eagles practice squad. However, with starting free safety Marlin Jackson rupturing his Achilles tendon at this week's OTAs, Coleman has a chance to make the 53-man roster. Not only can he be on the opening day roster, he can contribute on special teams.
Still, he must prove himself in the eyes of the coaching staff and battle it out against Quintin Mikell, Quintin Demps, Nate Allen and Macho Harris. Nevertheless, the Eagles have said they want Harris to move back to his natural cornerback position, so Coleman has a decent shot winning a backup role.
The Eagles were lucky that Coleman managed to slip to them in the seventh-round. He has too much talent and leadership skills [a captain for the Buckeyes] not to make a NFL roster and stick. Do not be surprised if Coleman finds his way on to the Eagles roster and down the road he eventually replaces Mikell at strong safety. Remember Mikell is on the last year of his contract and is about to turn 30.
It is good to get lucky, how often does signing your 7th round pick become a priority?
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