Stop us if you've heard this story before: an undersized West Virginia defensive back earns a spot in the starting rotation for the Mountaineers, goes undrafted in the NFL, but earns a spot as a free agent entering his rookie season and manages to find playing time.
In 2024, that was the way things unfolded for Beanie Bishop, who excelled in his one season with WVU football. He didn't hear his name called at the draft, but was signed by the Steelers picking off legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers by October of his rookie season. Now, another former star for the Mountaineers could end up in a similar position.
Michael Coats Jr. making impressive plays at Cleveland Browns training camp
Coats transferred into West Virginia last year, and ended up in the starting rotation for the Mountaineers. But despite a strong Pro Day performance in the spring, no franchise was willing to take a chance on him during the NFL Draft. But he did enough to end up with the Browns as an undrafted free agent.
And with training camp now underway, footage is already emerging that shows the former Mountaineers standout making an impact on defense. Film from the camp earlier this week showed Coats picking off a pass from Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel, proving that he's ready to play his way onto the final roster this fall.
#Browns CB Michael Coats Jr. with an INT during the first training camp session. pic.twitter.com/FW2MAVXq0j
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 29, 2026
We'll have to wait and see if Coats is ultimately able to earn a spot with the Browns on the regular season roster, but if he does, he will be one of several former West Virginia stars to make it onto a roster this season. It will be interesting to see how things play out for Coats in Cleveland.
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