Dallas Goedert makes a ton of sense, if Baltimore trades back

The 16th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, but the players that fit the need of the Baltimore Ravens could be gone from the board. However, there is one player who will probably remain on the board that they truly like, but just not that early. His name is Dallas Goedert, a tight end from South Dakota State University.

That is a situation that could come along for Baltimore. Goedert wouldn’t be a slouch of pick because he put up gaudy numbers at SDSU, finishing with 72 receptions, 1,111 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions in his senior season. If Calvin Ridley or another playmaking receiver is still available, Baltimore could go in a different direction than the small-school tight end.

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco mocked Goedert to the Ravens at pick number 16, which could be a bit of a reach. However, he has the size at 6’5, 255 and the athleticism that Baltimore needs in a tight end.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com also seems to be high on Goedert, but would like to see how he will fare against a higher level of competition. Zierlein has Goedert as a second round pick in his analysis.

“Goedert is a very talented pass catching tight end with the ability to work all three levels of the field,” Zierlein wrote. “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.”

If Baltimore finds itself sitting at the 16th pick and all other options are exhausted, they could attempt to trade back, select Goedert in the late first round, plus add another playmaker in the second and third rounds. The name of the game is giving quarterback Joe Flacco enough weapons to put the team to be back into the playoffs in 2018.