Just for fun, so I can be mocked mercilessly in a few years, here are my predictions of NFL success for the 2009 Tiger NFL draft class:

1. Chase Coffman. I guess it is just a feeling, but Coffman’s competitive fire and “difference-ness” make him my choice for the 2009 draftee most likely to have sustained NFL success. Coffman can do things, namely, catch passes while blanketed by defenders, that is unusual and very valuable in a league that does not blow coverage assignments. Throw in his vastly underrated athleticism (NOTE TO NFL EXECUTIVES: Speed is not the only indicator of athleticism…or put another way, the hurdles are much more difficult than the sprints.) Coffman is not currently in the best situation…while he has a great QB to work with, the Bengals have not used their tight ends much in recent years. I guess you could look at the glass as half full and determine that Chase is the first decent tight end they’ve had, but I’m unconvinced.

2. Jeremy Maclin. I’m not convinced that Maclin is going to be an NFL star. On the plus side, he has crazy speed and a great work ethic and attitude. On the negative side, there were a lot of pre-draft grumblings about his route running and rawness. The spread just does not prepare wide receivers for NFL routes. Maclin is not ever going to be wide open in the NFL due to schemes. To get wide open, or even off the line in the NFL, a receiver has to learn to set up defenders. I don’t know if Maclin can do that, although his attitude and coachability will serve him well in that regard. I guess I see him having a slow start to his career, a couple big seasons 3 – 5 years out, and then everything depends on whether he can keep his legs.

3. Ziggy Hood. Hood’s blue collar-ness will lead to a long and completely under the radar NFL career. Barring injury, 8 years, 15 sacks and a nice retirement await.

4. William Moore. This one pains me to write. I hope I’m wrong, I really do, but I just am not sure about this. On the plus side, Moore is a classy teammate, a hard worker, coachable and is going into a good situation. On the negative side, lots and lots of scouts question his instincts. NFL safeties who give up big plays do not get to play football for money for long. He could reinvent himself as an OLB at some point. Moore probably has the widest “error bars” in this draft class. Might be a star, might be a bust, will always be one of my favorite Tigers.

5. Jeff Wolfert. Hey, I cheated. I refuse to believe that a league that employs 40+ year old guys to kick footballs and values certainty over all else can’t find room for Jeff Wolfert.

6. Colin Brown. He’s big, he’s smart, he is used to playing in space and Todd Haley says he’s impressed with his movement and footwork. Longshot, but would be cool to see a Tiger o-lineman in the NFL at least once in my lifetime.

7. Stryker Sulak. Who the hell knows what is going on in Oakland. Sulak might be the starting TB by 2011. I predict he sticks around at the bottom of a roster for a few years due to his ability to run and play special teams, and back up at multiple positions (OLB, DE).