Rumblings Scouting Report: Missouri TE Chase Coffman

by MattRichWarren on Mar 13, 2009 6:00 AM EDT in NFL Draft Comment 38 comments

Missouri TE Chase Coffman (Missouri.edu)

As the 2009 NFL Draft approaches, the editorial staff at Buffalo Rumblings will begin profiling draft prospects that may end up being potential targets of the Bills. MattRichWarren gets us started this morning by profiling Missouri TE Chase Coffman.

One of the positions of need that has been clearly stated by the Rumblings community this year is a pass-catching tight end. As we've discussed, the best way to adequately address the position is in the draft. I've been assigned the task of scouting the tight ends expected to go in rounds two through four. Today we'll look at Missouri tight end Chase Coffman.

While I never watch college football, let alone the University of Missouri, rptgwb from SBN's own Mizzou blog Rock M Nation sure does. He has seen a lot of Coffman and here's what he had to say.

Chase Coffman - Tight End, Missouri
6'6", 252 lbs, 4.85-second 40 yard dash
Senior

Strengths: Pass-catching ability

Coffman has the greatest set of hands I've ever seen. And when I say "greatest hands I've ever seen," I don't mean for a college tight end. I mean for any football player ever. Yes I'm biased and yes this sounds like hyperbole, but ANY ball put in Coffman's general vicinity was caught, often times in a ridiculous manner. Coffman certainly has question marks and red flags going into this draft, but anyone who has his hands as one of them doesn't know what the hell they're talking about.

Weaknesses: Playing with a hand on the ground

In Mizzou's system, Coffman's hand was never on the ground. Yes, feel free to start the "tight end vs. big wide receiver debate" here. Coffman isn't going to blow people up on the line of scrimmage, but he has proven himself fairly adept on the blocking front. Missouri has received fantastic downfield blocking from its wideouts and tight ends, particularly in 2007 with Will Franklin and last year with Coffman. However, I do understand the limitations here. Blocking an Iowa State strong safety 20 yards downfield is far different than blocking an NFL defensive end at the line of scrimmage. I wish I had a more complete answer for you, but the real truth is that no one will know what Coffman can do as an NFL-type tight end until someone plugs him in the system.

NFL Comparison: Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys

Coffman certainly doesn't have Antonio Gates-type speed, but I would classify him in the Jason Witten category of "sure thing" receiving tight ends with an uncanny ability to move the chains. If you covered him with a linebacker, Coffman was able to easily separate, especially on 8-10 yard crosses. If you lined him up with a defensive back, it was essentially a free jump ball along the sideline. Same personality [as Witten], same style of play, but with more athleticism and comparable if not better hands.

Other Tidbits:

His dad Paul was also an NFL TE with the Chiefs and Packers... known as someone who "came in with his mouth shut and went to work - for four years"... broke the NCAA record for career receptions for a tight end in Missouri's game against Colorado this past season...has had some injury concerns with his ankles... won the Mackey Award in 2008 as nation's top TE.

Does Coffman "Fit the Bill"?
I am frankly scared of Coffman's (in)ability to put his hand on the ground and block or release into a pattern through traffic. We're going to see this a lot with this year's second tier TEs. Now if the Bills want him to line up on the weak side opposite of Derek Fine and roll with two TE formations I could be all for that. That could force him to be covered by a linebacker creating a mismatch. If he slips to the third round I don't know how the Bills could pass on him. I would draft him in the second round if we dealt with at least two of remaining big needs in free agency (OLB, DE, OG).

Collected Scouting Reports for further information:

SBN's Mocking the Draft (Projected Round 2)
SI.com's Bucky Brooks (Fourth-best TE)
NFL.com (2nd round grade)
NFLDraftScout.com (2nd round grade)

Many thanks to rptgwb over at Rock M Nation for the help.

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Comments

Matt

I don’t think we should be confusing Coffman’s lack of needing to block from the traditional TE spot with an inability to do so. Missouri ran a spread offense which didn’t necessitate Coffman to act as a traditional TE. From the write up he appears to be more than willing to learn. I’m interested to see what his measurables are (arm length, hand size) which would give a better indication on his potential to be a good blocking TE. Given his height I would guess he could really improve his blocking with proper coaching and technique.
My concern is the ankle problems he seems to have. I’m sure he was checked out thoroughly at the combine so any red flags would have dropped him down many teams’ boards.

by gatornation on Mar 13, 2009 8:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I never said he couldn't block.

In fact rptgwb said he was an excellent downfield blocker. Most of the TEs in college operate as really big WRs instead of the traditional TE. If he can show me (or more accurately the Bills F.O.) that he can block and release through traffic he’d be ideal.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 13, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am frankly scared of Coffman’s (in)ability to put his hand on the ground and block or release into a pattern through traffic.

That’s pretty close… :)

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 13, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm scared. What can I say?

He’s never had to do it, regardless of the reasoning.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 13, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

understandable MRW

but personally – I think this would be a great signing – a good compliment to schouman or fine. I’ve always wanted a Dallas Clark or Whitten type of TE. We can coach up his blocking as long as he has the will. If he WANTS to do it – then I think we’d be all set. depends on his mentality

Gozer the Traveler. He will come in one of the pre-chosen forms. During the rectification of the Vuldrini, the traveler came as a large and moving Torg! Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of the McKetrick supplicants, they chose a new form for him: that of a giant Slor! Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you!

by J2 on Mar 13, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jason Peters

never played left tackle until he got to the pro’s so there are examples of players either getting better at their craft in the same position or at a different position.
I’m sure that Coffman can learn to be an inline blocker at the same position at this level. how efficient and effective he is will be another thing. given his background and pedigree I think he can get to a point where he is at least an average blocker.

by gatornation on Mar 13, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No doubt.

There are guys who can do it. I’m not saying he can’t. I said he never had to do it before so I’m apprehensive. Coffman will certainly be a great addition to any team.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 13, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So he can catch anything?

I dont think I have anything else to say except, sign him up.

by The Wagon on Mar 13, 2009 8:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

But what about his speed?

To my eye, there are three big questions about Coffmann — his durability, his blocking, and most of all his speed. Not only did he run a 4,87 at the combine, but he in general didn’t play that fast in college. From what I’ve heard scouts have real concerns about whether he could ever be a deep threat down the seam as a pro, and that’s what the Bills will need after T.O. leaves them in 2010. I have also read that Coffmann has a relatively narrow frame and will have trouble building upper-body strength to become an effective in-line blocker, Put this together with his injury history and it seems to me that Shawn Nelson and perhaps Jared Cook are much better bets.

by Macktruck on Mar 13, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice job Matt,

and I agree with your assessment. Given what geronimo/Brian has said about the Bills draft strategy, it is unlikely the Bills draft a TE higher than round 3 unless will fill a our holes at LG and LB via free agency.

You can’t let T.O. use your man berries as a chew toy!

by Joe P. on Mar 13, 2009 9:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Chase

I gotta say Brian, from what you have here, Coffman reminds me of Jay Riemersma (that’s a good thing). I think he would be a welcome addition to the Bills roster if Buffalo can nab him in the draft.

Get the Bills back to the big game!

by Blitz on Mar 13, 2009 9:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Give the credit to Matt. He did the work on this one.

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 13, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

I saw that after I posted. That’ll teach me to read a little more thoroughly before I write… :)

Sorry, Matt, you get the credit here, not Brian.

Here’s hoping we can get Coffman in the third round.

Get the Bills back to the big game!

by Blitz on Mar 13, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't take offense...

Brian’s a good writer. If you can’t tell the difference between a Journalism major and a Music Ed. major, I’m at least doing something right.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 13, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or you're just not paying attention. :-)

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 13, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Guilty as charged... :o

Get the Bills back to the big game!

by Blitz on Mar 13, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Coffman

Coffman is my favorite TE in the draft actually. I’ve seen him on tape and he is a guy who can move the chains very well. He’s deceptively fast which allows him to run after the catch and run great routes. He would be a very nice addition to the Bills.

by buffaloboy90 on Mar 13, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh my COFFMAN

I just watched my first highlight video on Chase, HOLY CANNOLI!!!! I like him better than Pettigrew, Cook, all of them! This kids hands are crazy!

by The Wagon on Mar 13, 2009 10:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That they are.

Rock M Nation’s very own “Human Highlight Reel”

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 13, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can anyone remember a TE class coming out of college that had so many potential starters in it?

This by far and away is the deepest TE class i can remember, EVER!!!

by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Mar 13, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2002

Shockey, Jerramy Stevens, and Daniel Graham all went in the first round…Matt Schobel and Randy McMichael went later…best TE class I can think of even with Robert “I Can Catch This Pass…Oh Wait, It’s Third Down, So I’d Better Drop It” Royal

by Hybrid1486 on Mar 14, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was the best TE draft so far

But I think this one will beat it out in the long run.

by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 14, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The fact that his father was an NFL tight end

Makes you believe that Coffman is coachable — it’s likely he received such coaching from his father growing up and would take to learning easily.

I don’t think he’s worth taking in round 2 but if available in the 3rd, why not?

by Dyl on Mar 13, 2009 10:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

If we can coach him how to block then he’s the ideal fit for us. put him opposite Derek Fine and we have our two TE’s for the next decade. I like him a lot more than Pettigrew

by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 13, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have seen Coffman play and he is definitely one of the best "pass catching" TE's in the draft

But i would really like to see and know more about James Casey. I read the scouting report on him, seems he has alot of upside. Do you think you could do a breakdown of him Matt? Maybe even a link for some video on him? It’s hard to ignore 111 receptions and 13 TD’s this past college season.

by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Mar 13, 2009 10:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought your breakdown of Coffman was awesome

That’s why i’m asking…….LOL.

by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Mar 13, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well we don't have a Rice blogger on SBN...

and I haven’t been able to find any bloggers on Rice U. If you know someone you can let me know. They give me the meat of the report. Otherwise it’s me giving you secondhand reports from the other scotuing reports I read. I can do that, it’s just not something I like doing.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 13, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d rather get a more athletic player, BUT as a 3rd rounder I’d be happy with him. Too nervous about taking him in round 2….

~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"

by Kurupt on Mar 13, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Same here

IF Round 3, he would be a steal with his glue like hands and crazy ability to make the tough catch, which with our QBs IS a necessity. Round 2 I feel would be a huge reach especially with our lingering holes at LB and DE

If the Bills were a drug, I could only hope they were like speed so I could lose some weight as well.

by WABillsfan on Mar 13, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

From a poster named jm_norm on RockMNation

someone said he would rather get a more athletic tight end than Coffman. I think he may mean stronger or a more proven blocker, but athleticism is not one of Chase’s shortcomings.

Just as an FYI

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 15, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think coffman is the ideal fit for buffalo. He will be the perfect dump off target for Edwards when he is feeling pressure in the pocket(which is likely to be a lot if we don’t get peters resigned). He may not have the tools now to be a deep threat right now but with TO and Evans he will have a year to work on that.

by Bills_dude420 on Mar 13, 2009 3:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

no way this guy is witten

uhh this guy cant block and is slow as dirt how is he witten? Witten ran 4.65 40 this guy almost ran a 5! Atleast with slow Pettigrew you get a big athlete who can actually block someone. I know Jason Witten and you Chase Coffman are no Jason Witten!

by LIBi on Mar 13, 2009 6:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You know Jason Witten in the Biblical sense?

distractions aside, he was never asked to block. That doesn’t mean he can’t be an in-line blocker. I am afraid for it, too. He has velcro hands and that’s what I care about. We have a guy who can catch anything thrown his way. How many TEs are that fast?

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 13, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And after watching his higlight real I can say that he’s not that fast, but he does have a way to get away from deffenders, he’s desceptively ellusive. Combine that with his hands and it more than makes up for his speed

by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 13, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Besides Antonio Gates I really can’t think of a TE with speed that is anything to talk about..

by Bills_dude420 on Mar 14, 2009 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Coffman would be my second choice for TE

Behind James Casey…Pettigrew is good, but I’d only like to see the Bills take him if the DEs are all gone, and even then they could probably trade down a bit for him

I think the receiving abilities of James Casey can’t be topped by any TE (any any receiver in general not named Crabtree or Maclin)…with him in the middle, and Lee and TO on the sides, and Jackson coming out of the backfield on screens, I would guarantee at least 3k in passing from Trent next season

by Hybrid1486 on Mar 14, 2009 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If you are knocking Coffmans speed then you must not have watched his highlight clips. He creates a lot of separation by quick and subtle moves. Also often times he doesn’t need to create that much separation due to his enormous stature. He’s 6’6". That’s a big target and he’s a lot more agile and athletic than a lot of LBs that would cover him. He makes one handed and diving catches without even a slight bobble. The ball just sticks to his hands like Velcro. Also his ability in breaking and avoiding tackles after the catch exceeds that of Witten. And yeah he ran a 4.85. But 2 tenths of a second really isnt that much. That 40 sec time is very deceptive and overrated when you look at what he can do to get open and get away from defenders. Just ask Jerry Rice and Andre Reed how much the 40sec time matters.

by BFFL on Mar 14, 2009 1:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just for clairfication:

I didn’t knock his speed. The Missouri blogger said he doesn’t have “Antonio Gates” speed but also said essentially what you did. He can overcome the lack of speed with great hands and body control.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 15, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs