Douglas Coleman III Works Out With Chicago Bears

Douglas Coleman III knew he had to remind NFL teams what he could do, knowing the CFL would offer him an opportunity to play meaningful snaps for the first time in over two seasons. Coleman didn’t immediately find success in the CFL.

This man was one of the most reliable players for the @REDBLACKS defense this past season.

Playing a hybrid “LB” role for Ottawa, he’s a natural fit at safety in the @NFL at 6’1 200 pounds. Coleman once logged 8 interceptions in college at @TexasTechFB this kid can play. https://t.co/Yr72NaW380
— ShadySportsNetwork (@ShadySportsNet) January 4, 2024

Taking Advantage of the Opportunity

Coleman III was signed by Ottawa before the 2022 season. After starting five games last season he suffered an injury and missed time. It wasn’t until 2023 he got his chance to truly show what he could do.

Playing in 17 games Coleman was all over the field for the Redblacks defense under coordinator, and former defensive back Barron Miles. He finished the season showing just how versatile it could be. Logging 3 interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown, but he also managed 4 sacks and 60 tackles. Coleman impacted this unit more than nearly any other player, Brandin Dandridge, and Lorenzo Mauldin IV included.

With at least 7 plays that either stopped or helped stall drives. Coleman is likely better suited for a strong safety position with Chicago. This would allow him to continue playing a similar role to the one that made him successful in 2023. He played in the box or close to the line of scrimmage often allowing him to rush the passer more often.

This resulted in a career season for Coleman who got his first taste of the NFL in 2020 with the Denver Broncos. Coleman, who is no stranger to adversity despite his unbelievable numbers in college was given some great advice by his father who was inducted into the American Football Association Hall of Fame in 2014 for his college and high school career, but never saw a pro career pan out:

From an interview with the Ottawa Sun: Coleman III: “The best advice my dad has given me is: ‘Sports isn’t fair.’ What he meant was, ‘Don’t go into a place expecting everything will be handed to you. It’s a business.’” It’s safe to say Coleman will be going into Chicago prepared to fight for every snap. The Bears would be doing themselves a favor by bringing in the hybrid DB/LB.