NFL Draft 2016: Baylor’s Corey Coleman runs into first round with blazing 40 (Video)

Baylor Bears wide receiver Corey Coleman ran himself into the first round after running a blazing fast 40 at his Pro Day on Wednesday.

Corey Coleman was the best receiver in college football last season when he caught 20 touchdowns and won the Biletnikoff Award in his final season with the Baylor Bears.

His college production was boosted by the offense he played in and the NFL didn’t seem to be influenced by the gaudy numbers he posted during his career and wasn’t viewed as a first round lock in the 2016 NFL Draft.

But if there were any doubts about the 5-11, 194-pound receiver they should be put to rest after Coleman’s Pro Day performance on Wednesday when he ran exceptionally well in the 40.

Speed was evident when you watch Coleman’s tape during his time at Baylor where he was the best vertical threat in college football. He can hit top speed as soon as the ball is snapped and you better have a safety over the top to prevent him from hauling in 60-yard touchdowns. His 40.5-inch vertical and 129-inch broad jump at the NFL Combine in February suggest he has the explosiveness to be an impact performer in the NFL.

In my latest mock draft, I have Coleman going to the Cincinnati Bengals who lost receivers Mohammed Sanu and Marvin Jones in free agency.

Adding Coleman to an offense that features perennial Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green and emerging tight end Tyler Eifert and the duo of Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard in the backfield will give Andy Dalton plenty of weapons to get out of the first round of the playoffs.

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Coleman did much of his work outside the numbers at Baylor but his frame, speed and lightning-quick feet make him the ideal slot receiver candidate.

We’ll find out where Coleman is drafted when the NFL Draft kicks off in late April, but he shouldn’t have to wait beyond the first 25 picks to hear his name called in the first round.