Scratch one intriguing option at the NFL Scouting Combine from the list of running backs clubs are eager to get a look at.
NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt reported Monday that Indiana tailback Tevin Coleman will not participate in drills this week in Indianapolis because of a foot injury that has him in a walking boot.
Coleman, who also suffered an ankle injury that cost him the final three games last year, apparently suffered the foot injury this past season. DraftInsider.net's Tony Pauline reported last month that Coleman had surgery to correct the injury in December.
A 6-foot-1, 210-pounder, Coleman turned heads during his final collegiate season by rushing for 2,036 yards and 15 touchdowns despite a sub-par offensive line and the team having to turn to a walk-on at quarterback.
NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock recently compared Coleman to former Raiders first-round pick Darren McFadden because of his burst and scoring ability, but it's unknown how the injury could hamper Coleman's draft stock going forward. Mayock considers Coleman to be the fifth-best back in the 2015 NFL Draft heading into the Combine.
"He is a home-run hitter, he is a pile-mover, he's effective out of the backfield and he has a terrific nose for the end zone," NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein added. "He shows no hesitation between the tackles and has a great feel for where the running lanes are in tight quarters. He turns missed or broken tackles into long touchdowns, and he's the type of runner who can instantly change direction without having to gear down. His running style reminds me of DeMarco Murray's."
Coleman was expected to go as early as the second round of the draft, but the injury concerns -- particularly his second lower leg injury in as many years -- could cause him to fall behind others on many teams' draft boards.
He is still expected to work out for scouts at Indiana's pro day on April 15.
You can follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter at @BryanDFischer.
