Baylor receiver Corey Coleman impresses Texans during pro day.
Texans’ O’Brien likes what he sees of fast receiver during pro day
WACO — The Texans do not have to look beyond the Baylor campus to find a wide receiver with take-your-breath-away speed and dynamic return ability.
Coach Bill O’Brien and director of playerpersonnel Brian Gaine were among the Texans’ representatives at Baylor’ s pro day Wednesday when receiver Corey Coleman put up unofficial times of 4.37 and 4.37 in the 40-yard dash.
Because the Texans filled needs by signing quarterback Brock Osweiler and running back Lamar Miller last week, they can turn their attention to other needs, including a receiver who can stretch the defense and affect field position by being a force on returns.
“You put on the tape, and you know he can play,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien watched Coleman closely, provided some pointers and spoke with him.
“He’s a good player on tape, very productive,” O’Brien said. “He looked good today. Theway he ran will help him.”
Billings improves
The Texans also could use a defensive lineman like Andrew Billings (6-1, 311 pounds). He ran a 4.92 after clocking a 5.05 at the combine.
“I didn’t want a 5.05 to be my last 40 time,” Billings said. “Today was the fastest I’ve ever run.”
Coleman and Billings, both of whom are underclassmen, are expected to be first-round-draft choices when the NFL-draft begins April 28.
Coleman (5-10, 193 pounds) was asked if it’s important for him to be the fastest receiver available in the draft.
“It’s important for me to be the best receiver,” he said.
Coleman was unable to run at the combine because he was still recovering from surgery to repair a sports hernia.
“I’ve been rehabbing, so it’s really like my first time running,” Coleman said after the four-hour event that featured 16 players. “I’m about 90 percent, but I can do everything. I’m pretty happy, especially coming off my surgery.”
Coleman also looked good running routes and catching passes from former Baylor quarterback Nick Florence, who works in the development department at Baylor.
“I got to show case my talent,” Cole man said. “I’ve got a lot of work to do and a lot to learn, but I think I can do pretty much everything .”
Coleman was impressed that O’Brien and Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin cameto the pro day. Tomlin was one of seven members of the Steelers’ staff, including general manager Kevin Colbert.
“That says a lot to have those high-caliber guys here,” Coleman said. “I knew I had to perform at the highest level.”
Nothing Coleman accomplishes surprises Baylor coach Art Briles.
“He has all the intangibles you want as far as toughness and determination,” he said. “He goes all out all the time and leaves everything he’s got on the field.
“He can be a great returner. He can track the ball, catch it and go. He’s fearless. We didn’t use him that way because he had to play 85 snaps a game.”
Former Oilers cornerback Cris Dishman coaches Baylor’s receivers. He’s in his fourth season working for Briles.
“He’s got a nasty attitude, a defensive mentality,” Dishman said. “When you need somebody to get the ball, youwant that person to be Corey.
“He’s also a hell of a blocker. If there’s a running play called, he’s the first one out there blocking.” Other prospects
Baylor has at least five players who’ll be drafted, including cornerback Xavien Howard, offensive tackle Spencer Drango and defensive end Shawn Oakman.
Howard, who starred at Wheatley High School with his close friend, University of Houston cornerback William Jackson, improved his rating by running in the 4.4s.
Howard (6-0, 205) had run in the 4.5s at the combine.
“That was the most important thing I was looking forward to,” Howard said about improving his 40 time.
Like Coleman and Billings, Howard entered the draft after his junior year. Some teams may project him to safety.
“I want to play cornerback, a little bit at safety and a little nickel,” he said.
Dishman has watched Howard for the last three years.
“X helped himself a lot with the way he ran today,” Dishman said. “He put on 10 pounds of muscle after the season.
“He’s instinctive. He’s got good ball skills. He can play press coverage. And he’s a better tackler than people think he is. He’s physical at the line of scrimmage.”