A Look At Detroit Lions Signing Of UDFA Deandre Goolsby.
The Detroit Lions have signed UDFA tight end Deandre Goolsby from Florida University. While he is listed as a tight end, at 6’5, 240 lbs, he plays much more like a big bodied wide receiver than he does a tight end. He has a severe inability to block. He lacks the functional strength and the physical demeanor as a blocker to win in the trenches in the NFL. Injuries and terrible quarterback play at Florida also stymied his production and value has a draft prospect.
Through his three years at Florida, Gooslby had some of the most erratic quarterback play in college football. As a developmental prospect with athletic upside, poor quarterbacking play may have kept him from reaching his full potential. He was able to nearly double his production in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns from year one to year two. But injuries are what completely derailed his junior season, limiting him to just 6 games.
Deandre Goolsby Could See The Field In 2018
Ultimately, these two deficiencies are likely what kept Goolsby from being selected by a team in the 2018 NFL Draft. The biggest hurdle he will have to face if he wants to get playing time is going to be working on building strength and developing blocking fundamentals. However, there are quality reasons as to why the Lions acquired him.
Goolsby is quite fluid as a route runner. He possesses the athletic ability to exploit mismatches in zone coverage. Did a lot of damage after the catch on balls quickly thrown to the flats and on wheel routes. When in open field, has the quickness to evade defenders and the power to plow through them when he lowers his shoulder. High pointed the ball well and securing it when taking hits in traffic could help him make a living in the red zone.
Hopefully, they will not need to be on the field for the Detroit in 2018. He is likely the TE4 on the roster right now behind Luke Willson, Michael Roberts, and Levine Toilolo. However, due to his ability as a receiver and inability to block, he fits well for the projected role that Willson is to have in the Lions offense as the receiving tight end option. Both can help help stretch zones with their athletic ability and make plays after the catch. That said, if Willson goes down at any point this year, it would not be surprising to see Goolsby fill that role in the Lions offense.
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