Thaddeus Coleman and His Future with the Arizona Cardinals

First guys let me apologize for my absence yesterday. My wife, who's a couple of weeks away from delivery our first child, had some minor complications that caused us to spend Tuesday night and most of yesterday in the hospital. I'm glad to report that she's feeling much better now and everything is ok with both her and the baby.

Another look at an Arizona Cardinals' rookie free agent brings us, Thaddeus
Coleman. In past stories we've looked at Anthony Morelli, Ali Highsmith, Keilen Dykes and Lance Long.  Coleman, a three year starter at Mississippi Valley State, has experience at both right and left tackle but he started his college career as a tight end. Considering that he's only played offensive tackle for three seasons, it's amazing that Coleman was able to develop into one of the better lineman in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. What makes his transformation even more impressive is that Mississippi Valley State doesn't employ an offensive line coach meaning that Coleman is not only extremely raw but also that he's far from reaching his potential.

Coleman started three games in 2004 as a tight end and even though he didn't register a reception, he was a decent blocker. After that season, Coleman moved to tackle and played in six games at both right and left tackle as the top backup at both positions. The 2006 season saw Coleman take over at left tackle and produce 83 knockdowns and 8 touchdown resulting blocks. That season would earn him first team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honors as well. His senior season, Coleman was part of an offense that featured 8 freshman or first year starters, but that didn't stop him from shining yet again. He finished that season with 103 knockdowns (most among SWAC blockers) and 9 touchdown resulting blocks, which is pretty remarkable considering that the offense only scored 22 touchdowns. Coleman also earned his second consecutive first team All-SWAC team.

It'll likely be at least a year or two before we hear from much from Thaddeus Coleman but for now I'm intrigued by his potential. He's got the size (6'8 310) and is an above average athlete for his position considering he was a tight end just 4 years ago. He also has a mean streak and turned some heads with his nasty blocking at Texas vs. the Nation practices. I can't wait to see what Russ Grimm can do with his raw ability.