(Editor's Note: While the start of the 2018 NFL Draft isn't until April 26, it's never too early to profile some of the key participants. The staff of DallasCowboys.com intends to preview the landscape of the draft's top prospect, with an emphasis on possible Cowboys draft picks – from the first round to the last. Today's featured player is South Dakota State tight end Dallas Goedert.)
- Name: Dallas Goedert
- Position: Tight End
- College:South Dakota State
- Height/Weight:6-4 / 256
- Honors: Goedert was a two-time finalist for the Walter Payton Player of the Year in 2016-17 as the nation's top offensive player. He earned All-American honors in both seasons.
- Key Stat:He caught 92 passes in 2016, setting a SDSU school-record for receptions in a season.
Where He's Projected:
Like most small-school players, Goedert started out as a Day 3 selection in the middle rounds. But as coaches and scouts continue to watch his tape, study his measureables and compare him to similar players, Goedert is skyrocketing himself into a potential first-round pick. One of the top teams in the league, sitting near the bottom of the first round, will probably jump on the chance to get a tight end that seems to be a total package in terms of size, pass-catching, route-running and a developing blocker.
How He Helps The Cowboys:
Whether or not Jason Witten is actually slowing down is a debate that has gone on for several years, but he did earn another Pro Bowl selection last year for the 11th time. At some point - and the Cowboys have said this for about eight years now – this team needs to address the position and a player like Goedert would be a great fit. He could use the time under Witten to learn but also gives the team another pass-catching threat right away. It's probably not going to happen at No. 19 and seems unlikely he'd be around at 50. Plus, the Cowboys could always use a player named "Dallas."
- Impressive movement skills.
- Small school prospect that plays with big time skill.
- Outstanding in route as well as adjusting to the ball.
- Tracks the ball well down the field.
- Doesn't lumber at all when running.
- Physical player with the ball in his hands.
- Will stiff arm or just flat run over.
- Like the other tight ends in the draft is a get in the way blocker.
- Can play inline but better when flexed and can work from there.
- Love the way that he maintains body control in balance throughout the play.
- Could be the first or second tight end on a lot of draft boar
