Eagles Draft Profile: Six things to know about Dallas Goedert

The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to select Dallas Goedert with the No. 49 overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In order to learn more about the new Eagles tight end, I reached out to Argus Leader Media. South Dakota State Jackrabbits writer Matt Zimmer (@argusmattz) was kind enough to answer my questions.

1) Can you sum up what his college career was like?

Goedert had one of the most memorable careers in South Dakota State history, as he came to SDSU as a walk-on from a 9-man football program and, of course, left as an All-American and NFL Draft choice.

He earned a scholarship after his redshirt year, got on the field a little as a RS freshman, then became the best tight end in the Missouri Valley Football Conference as a sophomore. That was when the NFL whispers began, but after he caught a school-record 92 passes as a junior everyone realized how good he really was. The numbers he put up were tremendous, but the numerous highlight reel plays are what he’ll be most remembered for.

2) What are his strengths?

He has tremendous hands, both in size and reliability. He has a huge catch radius, knows how to use his body to shield defenders, made dozens of one-handed catches and is an extremely physical runner. Smart kid, too.

3) What are his weaknesses?

His blocking isn’t quite where it needs to be yet, though his size and love for physical play should help him in that regard. Durability could be a concern, too, as he was never fully healthy his entire senior season and into the spring.

4) Are you surprised where he was drafted? Higher or lower than expected? Just right?

I thought he’d be the first tight end taken, I really did. That would’ve meant late first round. Being from an FCS school might’ve ultimately been the deciding factor in two other tight ends going before him.

5) How do you see his NFL career playing out?

I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t have a lengthy NFL career with somewhere north of 400 career catches.

6) Anything to know about him off the field?

He’s kind of a folk hero in his hometown of Britton, S.D. He learned to ride a unicycle as a kid, and by high school he was a standout in every sport he played. He’s a friendly guy and a good quote, and he’s extremely confident. He may be from a small town and a small school, but he is not going to be at all intimidated by the NFL.