The Player:
Kurt Coleman was the 14th ranked cornerback in the country coming out of high school. While attending Ohio State University, Coleman switched positions to safety. He was an All-American his senior year (68 tackles, 5 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles) and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles - and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott - in the seventh round. In 2011 and 2012, Coleman made 171 tackles, had six interceptions, and forced two fumbles in 29 games. He made three interceptions last year for Kansas City as a part-time player, and has value due to his versatility.
The Fit:
Coleman can play either safety position, has seen some time as a nickleback, and makes strong contributions on special teams. Coleman has been very adamant in interviews earlier today that he intends on competing for a starting position as a safety. Tre Boston impressed down the stretch last season, and Roman Harper is the lone veteran presence in the defensive backfield. Coleman seems to have been signed to take Robert Lester's place on the roster; Lester has bounced back-and-forth between the roster and the practice squad enough to show that the coaching staff feels they have seen all there is to see. Coleman seems to strike many of the same notes as already-Panther Colin Jones.
The Contract:
2 years - $2,800,000; $600,000 signing bonus
The Grade and Analysis:
B; I think this signing speaks most to the weakness of the safety draft class this year. If Gettleman felt there was another Boston-esque safety available in the middle rounds of this year's draft, I think he would have addressed the position in that manner. Coleman will provide quality depth and a special teams presence at a low-cost rate, something valuable to a playoff team.
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