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New Orleans Saints Draft Prospects: Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

By Jan-Hendrik Otto

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Nov 29, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) runs during the third quarter as Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (90) chases at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated Florida Gators 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

With Brodrick Bunkley coming off a torn quad, John Jenkins struggling with inconsistency and Lawrence Virgil an unknown commodity, the New Orleans Saints might turn to the rookie class of 2015 to bolster their interior defensive line. Among those hopefuls is Eddie Goldman, a 2014 national champion from Florida State whom ACC guards and centers learned to hate.

Florida State Pro Day results:

Height: 6-foot 4

Weight: 336 LBS

40-yard dash: 5.12 seconds

Bench press (225 LBS): 19 reps

Vertical jump: 26 inches

Analysis: Goldman possesses the size of a nose tackle, the speed of a defensive tackle, but bench pressed like a wide receiver at his pro day. I was thoroughly impressed by his 40-yard dash (even after an addition of .05 to 0.1 seconds onto the scouts times), but his upper body strength left a lot to be desired. He did look good in positional drills though, and his pro day was described as a good one overall.

Scouting report: Goldman is a stud against the run, keeping his blockers at arm’s length and then plugging holes with his arms. His size could allow him to play nose tackle and his footwork makes a legit defensive tackle in either scheme. However, the first-team All-ACC selection is not a great fit as an up-field penetrating tackle due to a mediocre first-step. Goldman is inconsistent as a pass rusher with performances varying from a dominant bull-rush to a high pad level and no inside push.

Synopsis: Where exactly Goldman ranks among interior defensive linemen lies within the eye of the beholder, but it is safe to assume that might be placed fourth or fifth on team’s big boards. If so, he could fall to the Saints when they are on the clock for the 31st selection. In case Sean Payton and Rob Ryan believe that another big body could help anchor the D-line, then Goldman would be the right pick to keep linebackers clean.  Eddie Goldman would do just that and drastically improve the run defense.

Next: Saints Draft Prospects: DT Malcom Brown

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