I've been seeing more and more mocks that have us drafting this kid so I went and started researching him. This kid seems to be the real deal!

Dallas Goedert/TE/South Dakota State

Overview

This South Dakota native has blossomed into a NFL-caliber receiving tight end during his time with the home-state Jackrabbits. Goedert (pronounced GOD-ert) was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as the top player in the Football Championship Subdivision in 2016, also grabbing several All-American awards and a first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference nod. His combination of size, speed, agility, and reliable hands allowed him to rank him in the top 15 in the FCS with 92 receptions for 1,293 yards and 11 touchdowns -- and made scouts stand up and notice. Goedert started 10 of 12 games played as a sophomore, catching 26 passes for 484 yards and three scores; he had a part in the team's win over Kansas early on, catching two passes for 49 yards. He played in 14 games as a redshirt freshman in 2014, and lead the team's tight ends with eight receptions for 100 yards.

Analysis

Strengths Runs with good bend up the field and into routes. Moveable chess piece. Capable three-level worker as pass catcher. Team looked to find creative ways to get football in his hands. Carries good strength in frame and plays through physical challenges in his routes. Gains adequate separation with short and intermediate routes. Maintains top play speed when working vertically. Able to work over top of linebackers. Former high school hooper with advanced ball skills and body control. Pass snatcher with huge paws and strong hands. His highlight reels are filled with acrobatic, one-hand catches. Uses frame to gain advantageous positioning and can make in-air adjustments. Has size and technique to work with as in-line blocker. Strikes with good pad level, knee bend and hand placement. Looked stronger at point of attack this season. Possesses balance to hang in against rugged ends if he plays tough.

Weaknesses Moves with somewhat restricted stride length. Is not a route salesman. Gives route intention away with early directional leans into breaks. Rarely relies on leverage and head fakes to create his separation. Looked bigger on tape in 2017 and quickness appeared to suffer somewhat. Would benefit from varying route speeds. Too eager to try for one-handed spear attempts rather than two handed snares at times. Agility with ball in his hands is average by NFL standards. Effort level as blocker can be inconsistent. Needs to get better hip roll into initial contact. May need a fire lit under him in order to handle in-line blocking duties as a pro.

NFL Comparison Zach Ertz

Bottom Line Goedert is a very talented pass catching tight end with the ability to work all three levels of the field. His ball focus and ability to make the spectacular catch will make him the darling of fans and media throughout the draft process, but, he still has work to do. Goedert dominated a lower level of competition and will have to prove he can uncover and block against bigger, more explosive athletes as a pro. The size, speed and talent is there for him to succeed as a very good combo tight end if he works and plays with a little more urgency.

This post was edited on 2/12/18 at 9:16 am