The last two Central Michigan tackles drafted were Eric Fisher in 2013 (first overall) and Joe Staley in 2007 (28th). So yeah, the Chippewas know a thing or two about successful NFL OTs. They quietly had one of the best tackle duos in the nation last year. With Bernhard Raimann at left tackle and Luke Goedeke on the right side, defenses struggled to penetrate the pocket. Raimann is a highly regarded NFL Draft prospect, but Goedeke’s scouting report shows why he should be right there with him.
Luke Goedeke NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Tackle/Guard
- School: Central Michigan
- Current Year: Redshirt Senior
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 312 pounds
- Wingspan: 79 7/8″
- Arm: 32 1/4″
- Hand: 9 3/4″
Luke Goedeke’s Scouting Report
Goedeke has only started at tackle for two seasons (2019 and 2021). He was a tight end at DIII UW-Stevens Point before converting to the offensive line at Central Michigan. He missed all of 2020 due to a torn ACL, and a hamstring injury suffered on the first practice of the Senior Bowl has kept him out of the pre-draft process.
So, medicals will obviously be a deciding factor for many NFL teams. But if Goedeke receives a clean bill of health, how high can he go?
The Central Michigan OT was a stalwart across Raimann. Goedeke’s lack of length (32″ arms) will kick him into guard, but he can thrive on the interior. He’s a tremendous run blocker who lives to beat the man across from him. In pass protection, Goedeke’s consistent, balanced, and coordinated. He has more than enough athleticism to play in space, and his strong hands cause issues for defenders.
Overall, there are few glaring holes in Goedeke’s game. In fact, if you didn’t know their numbers when watching Central Michigan’s tape, you could mistake Goedeke for the highly sought-after Raimann. The two aren’t too dissimilar, and both should enjoy long careers in the NFL. I believe Goedeke will make his living as a scheme-versatile guard and could hear his name called early on Day 2.
Speaking of, PFN’s Chief NFL Draft Analyst Tony Pauline spoke on Goedeke flying up boards leading up to the NFL Draft:
“Multiple sources tell me Goedeke could land in the early part of Round 2, as teams like him as a flex lineman who can play either guard spot, center, or tackle. Goedeke is drawing a lot of interest from the Jaguars, Texans, Giants, and Bears.”
Where Goedeke Wins
As an offensive lineman, your upper body is used to control the opponent, while your lower body is used to move them. And boy does Goedeke personify that ideology.
Down-to-down consistency is extremely important along the offensive line, and Goedeke already has that down. He isn’t the most athletic or strongest lineman, but Goedeke gets the job done. He has the grip strength to latch onto the opposition and deaden their movements. His hips are flexible, allowing him to generate power and drive defenders back.
Goedeke’s technique is excellent for a two-year starter. He keeps his elbows locked and loaded to fire. He knows how to time his hands and makes sure to keep them inside. When he punches, he pops his feet and hips back, keeping his weight balanced. Furthermore, the Chippewas prospect displayed excellent synergy between his upper and lower halves.
As a run blocker, Goedeke can swiftly chip and climb. He hits moving targets and sustains second-level blocks better than most in the class. He keeps his feet moving through contact and bends at his knees rather than his waist. Additionally, the Central Michigan OT has the first-step quickness to reach block and the ability to flip his hips to turn and seal. Goedeke also has the nastiness to finish blocks, stating he loves “imposing my will on another man.”
Pass blocking and intangibles
In pass pro, Goedeke possesses the core/lower body strength to anchor. He sets with a wide base and keeps his shoulders squared. His eyes and feet mirror each other, and he owns solid ankle/hip flexibility. Goedeke resets his hands and base well when needed and maintains leverage with hand placement and good pad level.
Possibly the most awe-inspiring aspect of his scouting report, Goedeke proved his determination and passion for football by gaining roughly 75 pounds from his first year at CMU to now. In order to bulk up, he said he ate 7,000 calories a day and lived in the weight room.
Areas for improvement
32 1/4″ arms just won’t cut it at tackle. Defenders lived inside his pads and attacked his outside shoulder. Additionally, Goedeke struggled with speed rushers, often giving up a soft edge to the QB. He will need to get into his pass set quicker to establish his anchor against bigger bull rushers in the NFL.
As you can expect with a two-year starter, there is room to grow for Goedeke. He was slow to react to spin and inside counters, and he was prone to opening his outside hip early in reps. Furthermore, he can improve his awareness of blitzes and post-snap movement. The Central Michigan product can get grabby at times, which he will need to cut down. Overall, his technique can use refinement in all phases.
On duo/gap blocks, Goedeke can pursue incoming second-level defenders early. You typically want that defender to come to you because if you leave early, the NT/DT can scrape behind you and disrupt the run.
Goedeke’s level of competition will also be a knock, as his tape against the MAC and Power Five programs wasn’t the same. A strong Senior Bowl performance would’ve gone a long way to mitigate those concerns, but alas, the hamstring injury ended his attempt before it began.
Goedeke’s injury history (including a torn ACL in 2020) will cause some teams to drop him down their boards. Even at full strength, he will need time to acclimate to NFL competition and switch positions to guard.
Goedeke’s Player Profile
Goedeke was raised in Whitelaw, Wisconsin, and attended Valders High School. There, he played both tight end and on the defensive line. In 2016, he earned first-team All-Conference honors on offense and second-team All-Conference recognition on defense.
Goedeke was also a star off the gridiron. He played basketball all four years, averaging 20.2 points and 7.7 rebounds as a senior. As a result, he was a unanimous first-team All-Conference member. He also participated in track, competing in the 100 meters, shot put, and discus.
Despite his high school success, Goedeke was an unranked recruit. He didn’t receive D1 attention outside of a few tryouts. As a result, he enrolled at UW-Stevens Point as strictly a student. But after some months went by, the football itch returned. Goedeke walked on to the football team in August of 2017 and became the team’s starting tight end by the end of the season. He hauled in 12 receptions for 132 yards.
After the season, Goedeke sent his tape to Wisconsin and Central Michigan. The Badgers were his dream school, while the Chippewas showed interest in him in high school. In the end, Wisconsin wanted him to come as a preferred walk-on, but Central Michigan offered him a full scholarship. As the saying goes, “the rest was history.”
Goedeke’s career at Central Michigan
Goedeke redshirted his first season as he transitioned from tight end to offensive tackle. The wait paid off, as he started all 14 games at right tackle in 2019. He didn’t receive an All-Conference nod, but he flashed his ability despite being a bit raw. Yet, it would be another year before Goedeke could unleash his potential as an ACL tear robbed him of his 2020 campaign.
However, Goedeke came back with a vengeance in 2021, starting 10 games. He pancaked defenders, created rushing lanes, and stoned walled pass rushers en route to a first-team All-MAC selection. His play earned him an invite to the prestigious Senior Bowl, though the aforementioned hamstring injury thwarted his chances of improving his draft stock at the all-star game.
Goedeke’s NFL Draft ascension
Goedeke’s physical tools best translate to guard, but if a team loves his tape at tackle, I don’t see the issue with at least trying him out there. Plus, the Central Michigan OT has been working out with renowned OL trainer Paul Alexander this offseason.
When watching Goedeke, I’m reminded of former Indiana LT Rodger Saffold. Saffold went on to be selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and he ultimately moved to guard in the NFL. Although, he did spend his first few seasons as a starting left tackle — which was made easier by his long arms. Their measurements are strikingly similar, and I think Goedeke could go on to enjoy a similar career in the right environment.
- Saffold (2011 Combine): 6’4″, 316 pounds, 33 5/8″ arms, 9 3/8″ hands, 27 bench reps
- Goedeke (2022 Combine): 6’5″, 312 pounds, 32 1/4″ arms, 9 3/4″ hands, 27 bench reps
Missing the Senior Bowl likely cost Goedeke money, as I believe he would’ve played well in the all-star circuit. Nevertheless, it seems NFL teams are not holding it against him. The Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers brought Goedeke in on official 30 visits. Additionally, according to Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, 11 teams sent OL coaches to Central Michigan’s Pro Day to watch Goedeke and Raimann.
So, Goedeke definitely has his fans beyond this 22-year-old NFL Draft writer. As a result, I don’t expect him to last too long on Day 2. Both of Central Michigan’s OTs will be drafted early in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the two will likely have their careers compared for as long as they are in the NFL.