The Bills began the process of signing undrafted rookie free agents to their roster as they announced the signings of Auburn DE/OLB Antonio Coleman and Temple safety Dominique Harris Wednesday.
Coleman (6'2", 255) was a tremendously productive pass rusher for the Tigers earning First Team All-SEC honors his last two seasons at Auburn. In 2009, Coleman led the conference in sacks (10) and tackles for loss (16.5) despite having to play with a partially torn ligament in his wrist, which required a cast.
"He is a pass rush specialist," said Bills scout Shawn Heinlen. "He has very good edge rush explosion and a great feel for the pass rush in general. He was a very productive kid that played at a high level."
Coleman had 24.5 sacks in his college career ranking third in school history.
In all likelihood Coleman will fit into the Bills 3-4 defensive scheme as a hybrid pass rushing linebacker, while also competing for a role on special teams. Rarely asked to drop into coverage at Auburn because he was such a dominant pass rusher, that will be a new challenge for Coleman with Buffalo.
Harris, meanwhile earned All-Mid-American conference honors his last two seasons at Temple and appeared in every game of his collegiate career with 43 starts.
He finished third on the team in tackles as a senior with 71 and had a team best three interceptions and three forced fumbles the year before as a junior.
"Dominique is a three-year starter that is a good sized guy and a physical player," said Bills Coordinator of Scouting Doug Majeski. "He's a good tackler that comes downhill. He's productive against the run, but can also play pass coverage. He's a quality kid."
Harris also led the team in tackles as a sophomore with 81 and had a team best five pass break-ups and three interceptions.
A two-time team captain, the 6-2, 215-pound defensive back was the recipient of The Owl Award in 2009 as Temple's most valuable player.
