Kevin Coleman Jr. Has a Chance to Turn Heads at the Senior Bowl - And He Just Might Do It
Missouri’s passing game in 2025 didn’t light up the scoreboard, but that doesn’t mean it lacked talent - far from it. One of the most intriguing prospects heading into this week’s Senior Bowl is wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., a one-year standout in Columbia who showed flashes of NFL-ready ability despite operating in a relatively modest offensive system.
Coleman, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound transfer, quickly established himself as the Tigers’ top receiving threat. He finished the season with 66 catches for 732 yards and a touchdown - solid numbers, but the box score doesn’t tell the whole story.
What really sets Coleman apart is what he does after the catch. He’s got that rare burst in the open field, the kind of acceleration that makes defenders miss and turns routine plays into highlight reels.
Add in a punt return touchdown and you start to see the full picture: this is a player who can change a game in multiple ways.
Now, with the Senior Bowl practices kicking off this week in Mobile, Coleman has a real opportunity to boost his draft stock. ESPN recently listed him as one of their Day 3 sleepers to watch - and for good reason.
Every year, we see a smaller, quick-twitch wideout make waves in Mobile, and Coleman fits that mold to a tee. His route-running is crisp, his footwork is clean, and he has the kind of suddenness that gives defensive backs fits in one-on-one drills.
This is the kind of setting where a player like Coleman can really shine.
Currently projected as a fifth-round pick, Coleman has a chance to climb into Day 2 conversation if he puts together a strong week. His ability to separate, combined with his versatility as a return man, makes him an appealing option for teams looking to add explosiveness to their slot receiver room or special teams unit. The question isn’t whether he belongs - it’s how high he can climb.
Missouri is expected to have multiple players hear their names called in the upcoming NFL Draft, including edge rusher Zion Young and linebacker Josiah Trotter, both of whom are trending toward Day 2 selections. Coleman, meanwhile, enters Senior Bowl week with something to prove - and the tools to do it.
Also joining the group in Mobile is former Tigers defensive tackle Chris McClellan, adding to a strong Missouri presence at this year’s event.
For Coleman, the next few days are about more than just practice reps - they’re about showing scouts he’s more than just a slot option with speed. He’s a playmaker, a difference-maker, and potentially one of the biggest risers in this year’s draft class.