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Photo of Chase Coffman
Grade
?
  • 6'6" Height
  • 244LBS. Weight

Overview

Given a second-round grade last year by the NFL Advisory Committee and blessed with a combination of size, route-running and soft hands to emerge as an immediate NFL contributor, Coffman ranks as one of the elite pass-catchers of the 2009 draft. The 2008 Mackey Award winner finished with better production in just his senior campaign (90 receptions for 987 yards and 10 touchdowns) than some of his top-ranked competition enjoyed over their entire career. Despite his eye-popping production, Coffman isn't a player without warts. His already questionable speed has been lessened the past two years due to repeated foot injuries, including the broken toe that could keep him sidelined through the Combine. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Rare size potential for the position. Athletic enough to line up in a variety of positions, including split out wide, in motion or along the line of scrimmage. Good initial quickness off the snap. Has the lateral agility to avoid the jam at the line and get a clean release into his route. Uses his hands well in this area to break free from defenders when initially challenged. Good lateral quickness and body control to gain separation from defenders. Good balance and body control to make the acrobatic reception with defenders draped over him. Can make the tough catch in traffic and looks to get upfield to gain extra yardage. Reliable hands. Generally looks the ball into his hands to make the secure reception, but will trap the ball against his body when he anticipates a big hit. More physical as a blocker than you'd expect for a tight end split wide as often as he is. Provides a good initial jolt to the defender when blocking and gives good effort to sustain his blocks. Emerged as a standout as a true freshman. Good bloodlines. Father, Paul Coffman, was an NFL tight end for 10 years. Negatives: Only marginal straight-line speed. Not a true deep seam threat. Flashes the physicality and toughness scouts want in a downfield blocker, but rarely blocks from a traditional three-point stance. Legitimate durability concerns following repeated foot injuries the past two seasons. Struggled for much of his senior season with turf toe and broke the fifth metatarsal in his left bone on the final play of the Alama Bowl. Played through recurring bone spurs as a junior that eventually resulted in corrective surgery in the offseason.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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