Keke Coutee has all the makings of a star slot receiver in the NFL. With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, Texas Tech fans are looking forward to seeing where last season’s leading receiver will land.
In two weeks, the NFL Draft will take place in Arlington, Texas. While several former Texas Tech standouts are hoping to be selected, inside receiver Keke Coutee is a certainty to hear his named called and he will make one NFL team extremely happy.
Coutee had a breakout season as a junior in 2017. He caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and 10 touchdowns. Additionally, he averaged 31.2 yards per kickoff return, taking one kickoff back for a touchdown.
Matt Miller of Bleacher Report ranks Coutee as the 15th best receiver in this year’s draft. Miller touts Coutee’s speed and kick return ability while pointing out teams are concerned about his size and durability.
"“Keke Coutee is a fun prospect with the speed and stretch game to be an asset in an offense that needs a vertical player in a three- or four-receiver set. He does bring value as a kick returner, but a small frame and questions about toughness hurt his grade.”"
Miller projects Coutee to be a fourth round selection. That is also where NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein sees the Lufkin, Texas native fitting in.
"“Lanky speed merchant with an ability to take the top off of a defense as well as handle the nickel and dime action underneath.” Zierlein writes. “Coutee’s lack of route experience and play strength could lead to a bumpy initial season, but his ability to separate both vertically and out of his breaks should make him a coveted slot target capable of adding chunk plays to an offense or return game in need of some juice.”"
While Coutee looks like a certain mid-round pick, his speed makes him a potential star at the next level. His time of 4.43 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine ranked seventh fastest among receivers. That type of speed is uncommon from NFL slot receivers which tend to be more shifty and less dangerous with the ball in their hands.
The NFL’s shift towards the short passing game, built on multiple crossing and out routes perfectly fits what Coutee does. Many analysts wonder if he will be able to beat press coverage but NFL teams have become adept at getting smaller receivers into creative positions at the snap to allow them to have a free release.
Coutee’s speed and agility make him potentially far more dangerous with the ball in his hands than other successful NFL slot receivers like Cole Beasley, Cooper Kupp, Julian Edelman or Doug Baldwin who lack the top-end speed Coutee has displayed. So which teams could be interested in Keke Coutee?
ProFootballFocus thinks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be a natural landing spot.
"“Adam Humphries ranked just 39th in the league with an average of 1.18 yards per route run from the slot and the Bucs would do well to target a more explosive playmaker for the role going forward.”"
Fansided’s Chicago Bears site, Bear Googles, has this scouting report on Coutee. Likewise, CBSSports.com lists receiver as one of the Bear’s biggest needs to address this offseason.
"“The Bears have the chance to start fresh at receiver, as they’d save $5 million by releasing Markus Wheaton, which would leave Kevin White as the only receiver on their roster. With basically no talent on the position, expect them to attack that weakness both in free agency and the draft, possibly with their first-round pick.”"
Another potential fit could be the Atlanta Falcons, who are reportedly set to meet with Coutee prior to the draft. Playing with quarterback Matt Ryan and alongside one of the best outside receivers in the game in Julio Jones could provide Coutee with a fantastic opportunity to succeed as a rookie.
One intriguing thought is that Coutee could end up playing in a spot where two other former Texas Tech slot receivers have prospered. After trading away Brandon Cooks and seeing former Red Raider Danny Amendola sign with Miami, the New England Patriots could be in the market for a receiver to work with Tom Brady.
It would not be a surprise to see the Pats take a shot on Coutee. Former Red Raiders Amendola and Wes Welker had the best years of their careers in New England and playing for a hall of fame coach and quarterback would be an excellent opportunity for Coutee.
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Other teams that are reportedly in the market for a slot receiver include Washington, Arizona and San Francisco. But wherever Keke Coutee plays next season, there is little doubt from Texas Tech fans that he will be a star on Sundays just like he was at Texas Tech last year.