Indianapolis Colts: Five Late Round Draft Options

Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano looks on from the sideline during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano looks on from the sideline during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indianapolis Colts
Jan 10, 2015; Frisco, TX, USA; Illinois State Redbirds running back Marshaun Coprich (25) runs the ball against the North Dakota State Bison at Pizza Hut Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

RB Marshaun Coprich – Illinois State

Coprich is someone a general football follower would know. However, a lot of scouts and draft analysts like him. In fact, CBS Sports thinks Coprich could be a “hidden gem” like running back Thomas Rawls. This is pretty good praise for a guy on the borderline of being a seventh round pick or undrafted.

In four years at Illinois State, Coprich accumulated 5,196 rushing yards and 59 rushing touchdowns. His terrific play resulted in him being named Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Year twice. Unfortunately, there is one large red flag on Coprich’s resume.

Prior to his senior season, Coprich was suspended by Illinois State after being arrested for selling marijuana to an undercover police officer.  Fortunately, the university lifted his suspension after he agreed to participate in a first-time offender program and community service.

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Coprich has quick feet inside running lanes, which could make him a nightmare for safeties to tackle. He is able to burst through open holes and separate himself from would­-be tacklers. He possesses excellent vision and can ability to quickly find open running lanes. He is probably best suited for a team that uses a zone run scheme.

Fortunately for the Indianapolis Colts, they are going to implement a zone run scheme. If new offensive line coach Joe Philbin can successful incorporate zone blocking into the Colts’ offense, the potential is there for Coprich to join them and be very effective. With Frank Gore getting older, why not take chance on a fast running back like Coprich in the seventh round?

Next: Colts Committed to Drafting Best Players Available

Although he is projected to be undrafted, it would not be surprising to see the Indianapolis Colts use their lone seventh round pick on him. Running backs with over 5,000 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns in college do not show up very often. Also, it appears Coprich has learned his lesson from the marijuana arrest. He is definitely worth the risk for a seventh round pick.