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After not being selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, Ohio State DT Garrett Goebel has agreed to an undrafted free agent deal with the St. Louis Rams. Goebel was rated as the No. 42 best defensive tackle prospect in this year's draft class and the 552nd best prospect overall, per CBSSports.com
"Goebel was overshadowed by his teammates, but just because Brent Musburger wasn't calling out his name on television doesn't mean that his career wasn't successful in its own right. Goebel started all 25 games in 2011 and 2012 to close out his career, and put up impressive numbers in both years, including recording 75 tackles, two sacks, and two passes defended." - LGHL's Chris Kopech
Goebel's size may not be ideal for the NFL, but he's a productive linemen who'll add excellent leadership to your locker room. His effort is top notch, and he fights every play to influence the outcome. His hands are quick and he's "rangy" enough to take on more athletic offensive linemen and still impact the play.
You hear the word "tweener" thrown around during the draft a lot, and unfortunately Goebel fits into that mold. He's not an active, gap-shooting defensive lineman, but he's also not quite an ideal two-gap guy either. His effort will be almost unmatched though, and despite the not exactly world class explosiveness, with the right coaching, it's possible yet he turns into an effective NFL d-lineman.
Goebel joins a St. Louis Rams team that already includes former Buckeye James Laurinaitis. The defensive tackle situation is as such: Kendall Langford and Michael Brockers are the two starters, while Matt Conrath and Jermelle Cudjo are the principle backups. Goebel will have to steal the show at rookie minicamp and subsequent full team camp to have a chance to stick, but given how he came on in 2012 and earned the respect of his teammates and new staff alike, don't bet against him.
Pro Day results
Height: 6-4
Weight: 292 lbs.
40 yard dash: 5.32
Bench press: 22 reps of 225
20 yard shuttle: 4.55
Goebel had 42 tackles in 2012 including four tackles for a loss (good for minus 11 yards). He blocked an extra point against Purdue which would ultimately set the Buckeyes up for a game tying two point conversion with under am inute to play. He follows a lineage of Ohio State linemen that includes current Pittsburgh Steeler Cameron Heyward.