Stacy Coley WR Seventh Round, Minnesota Vikings 219th Overall Pick
Stacy Coley evolved as a Wide Receiver throughout his Miami career. Coley entered Miami viewed as a receiver with great speed and a good return man. He left the U in his Senior season as the team’s best possession receiver and most reliable receiver in the red zone.
Coley led the Hurricanes with career highs of 63 receptions and nine touchdowns this season. He also finished second on the team with a career-high of 754 yards and averaged 12.0 yards per reception.
Coley finished his collegiate career with 166 receptions for 2,218 yards for an average of 13.4 yards per reception and 20 touchdowns. He was a reliable return man his first two years in college. Coley finished his college career averaging 24.3 yards with one touchdown on kickoff returns and 13.0 yards per punt return.
The Viking Age
Coley leaves Miami as one of the greatest receivers in school history. He finished second in school history in receptions, fifth in receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns.
Coley heads to a Vikings team that is still waiting for 2016’s first round pick Laquan Treadwell to emerge at wide receiver. He finished the 2016 season with just one reception for 15 yards in nine games. The reception did not come until week nine.
Stephon Diggs emerged as a star in his second season in Minnesota. He finished with 84 receptions for 903 yards and three touchdowns. Behind Diggs, there seems to be an opportunity for playing time.
Adam Thielen had 69 receptions for 967 yards and five touchdowns and Corderelle Patterson caught 52 passes. Coley will also battle with Jarius Wright and Rodney Adams for playing time.
Coley could get a chance to help out on special teams as well. Patterson is entrenched on kickoff returns. He has led the NFL three of the last four seasons on kickoff returns. Marcus Sherels finished second in the NFL with a 13.9-yard punt return.