The New Orleans Saints missed out on getting Jimmy Graham in free agency, and were stuck adding the ancient Ben Watson into the Saints tight end group with Josh Hill and Michael Hoomanawanui. The Saints still need a true pass-catching Tight End option, and one possible name in the 2018 NFL Draft is South Dakota State’s Dallas Goedert.

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• Height: 6’5
• Weight: 256 lbs
• Arms: 32 7/8”
• Hands: 9 71/4”
• Bench Press: 23

Analysis:

(per NFL.com)

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.

Highlights:

Bottom line:

(per Pro Football Focus draft guide)

Goedert should challenge to be the top tight end off the board as he has a fantastic combination of size and athleticism. He moves like a wide receiver despite weighing 260 pounds and he’ll be able to create mismatches at the next level from all over the formation. Goedert looked like a serviceable run-blocker at the FCS level, though he rarely had an opportunity to take on NFL-caliber defensive ends. He’ll make his mark as in the pass game in the NFL, and his size and body control should make him a premier red-zone weapon.