Dallas Goedert (TE, PHI) - 2019 Fantasy Football Sleeper

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~180 Overall

Current ADP: ~195

You are already well acquainted with the benefits and the potential for peril that is customary when attempting to locate a dependable tight end position. That can partially explain why Dallas Goedert’s prospects for a more expansive role within Philadelphia’s passing attack has been among the more prevalent topics during the offseason. Owners are in a perpetual and relentless search for any additional source of production at this troublesome position, and the 6’5” Goedert possesses enough attributes to instill hope that he can vault onto a loftier tier this season.

Any emergence as a viable fantasy option will not occur at the expense of Zach Ertz, who remains one of the few elite performers that can provide owners with a sizable positional advantage in their matchups throughout the season. But even as Ertz will confiscate a mammoth number of targets once again, Goedert can also capture a larger share of opportunities than he was allotted during his rookie season.

The Eagles’ escalating use of 12 personnel as  2018 progressed helped boost Goedert’s snap count percentage from an average of 42% in Weeks 1-11, to 58% in Weeks 12-17. Goedert also collected 33 of his 44 targets, accumulated 334 yards, and generated four touchdowns. All of which was accomplished even as Ertz continued to stockpile targets (156), finished second overall in receptions (116), and assembled 1,163 yards. 

It is reasonable to believe that Philadelphia could expand their usage of 12 personnel even further after Goedert captured 75% of his targets last season. He possesses too much size and athleticism for the Eagles to dismiss their opportunity to exploit the matchup nightmares that can be created through deployment of both tight ends.

This is not a suggestion that Goedert will become a borderline TE1 this season, or that Ertz will experience a massive decline in his opportunities. But the end result should be more targets for Goedert, which will boost his overall share.