Dallas Goedert

A three-year starter at South Dakota State, Goedert thrived in the Jackrabbit’s spread offense, splitting his time inline and detached, and was a mismatch vs. every defense he faced in the Missouri Valley Conference – he will be the first offensive player from South Dakota State to be drafted since 11-year veteran TE Steve Heiden in 1999 (third round, 69th overall to the San Diego Chargers). He is a big, physical athlete with the body control and footwork of a much smaller player, making himself available in his routes with his fluid adjustment skills. Goedert needs to improve his efficiency as a route runner and his blocking technique requires refinement, but his deficiencies as a blocker are based more on inexperience rather than inability (basically, he was too good of a receiving threat for the SDSU coaches to keep at the line of scrimmage). Overall, Goedert has the physical skill-set, dependable ball skills and motivated make-up to develop into a starting NFL tight end capable of pushing for Pro Bowl consideration. BACKGROUND A no-star tight end recruit out of high school, Dallas Goedert (named after the Dallas Cowboys, although he grew up a Green Bay Packers’ fan) was a multi-sport marvel growing up (mostly swimming, soccer, basketball and football), focusing on basketball until his senior season at Britton-Hecla when he decided to put all his effort into football. He played nine-man football in high school and was the best player on the team, switching between quarterback, running back and wide receiver on offense, depending on the play-call, also playing linebacker and safety on defense and performing all the kicking, punting and returning duties. At a small high school (under 150 students total), Goedert went overlooked as a recruit, receiving only one scholarship offer to Division-II Northern State in South Dakota. He had higher goals, however, and decided to walk on at FCS-level South Dakota State, redshirting in 2013. Goedert started three games as a redshirt freshman and posted eight catches for 100 yards in 2014. He became a full-time starter as a sophomore and finished second on the team with 26 receptions for 484 yards and six touchdowns, earning First Team All-MVFC honors. Goedert had his best statistical season as a junior, setting a new single-season school record with 92 catches. His 1,293 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2016 were also SDSU records for a tight end, earning Unanimous All-American and First Team All-MVFC honors. Goedert returned for his senior year and posted 67 catches for 1,068 yards and six touchdowns, again earning FCS All-American honors.

needs to tighten his footwork and eliminate wasted body movements at the top of routes – likes to get a head start in/out of his breaks. tends to lose focus at the catch point, prematurely taking his eyes away from the ball, leading to drops. unique blend of power and athleticism as a ballcarrier, but will leave some yards on the field and needs to improve his decision-making.

Shows a baseline understanding of blocking technique and awareness, but needs time to hone these skills to better sustain. Didn’t miss a game the past four seasons, but was hindered at times due to minor injuries, including an ankle issue that knocked him out of a 2017 playoff game (Dec. 2017). Almost all of his experience came against FCS-level talent – faced three FBS opponents in his career (none in 2017), including an impressive performance at TCU (Sept. 2016) with five catches for 96 yards and one touchdown. – Dane Brugler 12/12/17

workable frame to add weight and get stronger – was only 205 pounds when he arrived at sdsu and wasn’t part of a workout program until college. boasts the frame and strength profile to develop as a blocker. matured into one of the team’s best workers, on and off the field, the last five years – “he’s obviously got a lot of natural gifts, but it’s his work ethic and football iq that have made the difference.” – sdsu tight ends coach luke schleusner. former walk on who worked his way to be in this position – earned a 40% scholarship as a redshirt freshman, 70% scholarship as a sophomore and 100% for his final two seasons. above average production, setting several missouri valley football conference tight end records. – dane brugler 12/12/2017

WEAKNESSES

strengths

Loose athlete for the position. Quick release off the line with above average seam speed. Uses nuance in his routes to stack defenders and gain a step on vertical patterns. Soft hands. Expands his catch radius to snare the ball away from his body with ease. Comfortable in traffic, routinely making grabs with defenders hanging on his back. Uses his body well to shield defenders. NFL-level tracking skills and hand-eye coordination. Athleticism allows him to be a YAC threat, setting up moves to make defenders miss.

compares to

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs - Kelce is one of the best young tight ends in the NFL so it takes an impressive prospect to earn this comparison - and Goedert is deserving. His athleticism and body control for a player his size creates mismatches before and after the catch.

in our view

Despite all of his experience coming at the FCS-level, Goedert has the physical skill-set, dependable ball skills and motivated make-up to develop into a starting NFL tight end. He has Pro Bowls in his future.

Was an honorable mention all-state selection two times in football at Britton-Hecla High School

three-time all-conference pick in both football and basketball

team captain in both sports

member of the A Honor Roll.