Analysis: NFL drafts six Tiger football players

Chase Daniel signed with the Washington Redskins as a free agent.

By Lenny Goldman

Published April 27, 2009

Jeremy Maclin

Despite dropping to the No. 19 pick in the NFL Draft, former wide receiver Jeremy Maclin will have a nice fit with the Philadelphia Eagles who traded up to snag the speedster. Many projections had Maclin being selected in the top 10. It looked like the Raiders would choose him at No. 7 because former Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree is coming off a serious foot injury. But in typical Oakland General Manager Al Davis style, the Raiders shocked the world by taking former Maryland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bay. Maclin might have lost some money by slipping Saturday, but he certainly gained potential for success by playing for the talented Eagles.

Ziggy Hood

Former defensive tackle Ziggy Hood just squeaked into the first round. The Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers selected Hood with the last pick in the first round at No. 32. Saturday marked the first time since 1977 that Missouri had two players drafted in the first round. Missouri was one of just five schools in the country that had more than one player drafted in the first round. Hood will have a fantastic opportunity playing for a team that revolves around defense and has a history of developing great defensive tackles.

William Moore

Willy Mo now has a new home in Atlanta. The Falcons selected the safety in the second round at No. 55. Just like Maclin and Hood, Moore finds himself on a team that is ready to win. He will have a legitimate shot at some playing time with Thomas DeCoud and Erik Coleman projected to start at safety for the Falcons this year. Moore's senior campaign was a bit of a drop-off after leading the country in interceptions during his junior year, but his ability to stop the run and defend the pass gives him tremendous upside for the NFL.

Chase Coffman

Former tight end Chase Coffman's stock decreased because he had to deal with an offseason injury in the past few months instead of impressing NFL scouts at the combine and pro days. Coffman was picked in the third round at the No. 98 spot by the Cincinnati Bengals. The freakishly athletic big man should quickly become a nice target for quarterback Carson Palmer. Blocking is what Coffman needs to work on. He's got the hands and drive to be a terrific NFL pass catcher, but he just about never lined up at the traditional tight end position for the Tigers with his hand on the ground next to a tackle.

Colin Brown

The Kansas City Chiefs drafted former Missouri walk-on Colin Brown in the fifth round Sunday. The offensive tackle grew up cheering for the Chiefs, so being selected by them with the No. 139 pick was perfect. It will be an interesting transition from Missouri's spread offense to the NFL for Brown. There have been very few situations when Brown was asked to come out of the three-point stance and run block. He has plenty of experience protecting the passer, but he will need to work on the other aspect of his game.

Stryker Sulak

The Oakland Raiders selected the explosive defensive end in the sixth round. Sulak will be used as a defense end and outside linebacker to rush the passer. He's got great speed and a nose for the ball in pass situations. Sulak always seemed to be the guy making a big play in the backfield right when Missouri needed it most. If he can bulk up a bit and retain his speed, Sulak has a chance to compete in the NFL.

Other notes

Former Heisman Trophy candidate Chase Daniel signed a free agent deal with the Washington Redskins after getting passed up in the draft. Daniel turned down an offer from his hometown team, the Dallas Cowboys, for a better shot at making the Redskins roster. Columbia native and former backup quarterback Chase Patton has scheduled a tryout with the Chicago Bears. Former kicker Jeff Wolfert will also try out with the Bears.