Only one tight end went in the first round on Thursday night. That would be former South Carolina Gamecock Hayden Hurst to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 25. Hurst was climbing up the draft boards late, but how is South Dakota State Jackrabbits tight end Dallas Goedert still on the board.
In truth, he might be more of an Evan Engram type of tight end, meaning that he’s essentially an oversized possession slot receiver that just so happens to get that tight end label. That being said, Goedert was an absolute offensive force playing collegiately for the Jackrabbits.
Level of comp might have knocked him back a bit, but the guy is a more vertical pass-catching talent than Hurst. Some might even have Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Mike Gesicki projected to be a better pro than Hurst. Regardless, Goedert will make an immediate impact in whatever offense he will play a part in as a rookie.
Blocking might be an issue, but Goedert is an adept route-runner with great hands. This should help him be a reliable target on third down, and possibly in the red zone if he proves to be a solid jump ball receiver at the next level. It will be shocking to see him still on the board past No. 45. He will be a great find for somebody in the second round for sure.