Moeaki Tabbed by Chiefs

Moeaki Tabbed by Chiefs

April 23, 2010

Moeaki NFL Draft Video (ESPN)

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Kansas City Chiefs made Tony Moeaki the 29th player drafted in the third round Friday. By doing so, Moeaki becomes the sixth former University of Iowa tight end chosen during the last eight NFL drafts.

He is the fourth University of Iowa player selected in the 75th NFL Draft, following teammates Bryan Bulaga (First round, Green Bay), Pat Angerer (Second round, Indianapolis) and Amari Spievey (Third round, Detroit)

Moeaki (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) is a graduate of Warrenville South High School in Wheaton, Ill. During his career with the Hawkeyes he caught 76 passes for 953 yards and 11 touchdowns. Moeaki turned in his best season statistics-wise during 2009-10 when Iowa finished 11-2 and won the championship of the FedEx Orange Bowl. As a senior, Moeaki hauled in 30 passes for 387 yards and four scores.

Listed as one of the top 100 athletes in the 2010 draft, Moeaki saw his professional stock rise after an impressive performance in front of scouts. On the field, he often turned short patterns into long gains with his speed and route-running ability, finishing with eight receptions of at least 22 yards. All four of his touchdowns this season went for either the game-tying or game-deciding score.

“Moeaki gives very good effort and owns some pop-blocking for the run game. Has the bulk and strength to seal the edge against defensive ends, as well as the feet to mirror them in pass protection. Keeps feet moving and hands active to maintain angle and sustain; blocks through the whistle.”
NFL Draft Scout

The first Hawkeye ever drafted after playing for UI head coach Kirk Ferentz was tight end Austin Wheatley (fifth round to the New Orleans Saints) in 2000. Since that time, the following Hawkeye tight ends have been selected: Dallas Clark (first round, Indianapolis, 2003), Erik Jensen (seventh round, St. Louis, 2004), Tony Jackson (sixth round, Seattle, 2005), Scott Chandler (fourth round, San Diego, 2007) and Brandon Myers (sixth round, Oakland, 2009).

Labeled as one of the “sleepers” of the draft, when he was healthy, Moeaki showed off excellent hands, good route-running, solid speed and athleticism and fantastic blocking. His skill-set is ideal for a team looking for a strong blocking tight end who can be a factor in the passing game.

From the experts:

NFL Draft Scout: Moeaki gives very good effort and owns some pop-blocking for the run game. Has the bulk and strength to seal the edge against defensive ends, as well as the feet to mirror them in pass protection. Keeps feet moving and hands active to maintain angle and sustain; blocks through the whistle.

National Football Post: Moeaki is natural bender who gets into his routes quickly off the line and displays good body control as a route-runner. Maintains good balance down the field and is able to cleanly snap out of his breaks, creating separation as a route-runner. Is a smooth athlete who extends his arms away from his frame and plucks the ball well with his hands.

He might be the best blocking tight end in the nation. Possesses the athleticism to quickly get into blocks Moeaki exhibits impressive natural power and leverage on contact and is a bear to disengage from. Has the lower-body strength to consistently win at the point of attack and possesses ideal technique and hand placement. Has the ability to eventually win a starting tight end spot on an NFL roster because of his ability to block and contribute in the pass game. Can win battles in both the run and pass game.

Mocking the Draft: Moeaki might not be the most athletic, but he was a dependable target in the Iowa offense. He has really good hands and can block fairly well. He’s not going to be a flashy pick, but a good one.

Moeaki was named first team all-Big Ten Conference by league coaches and second team by media. He was one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award, given to college football’s top tight end. A permanent Hawkeye captain in 2009-10, Moeaki was named honorable mention All-America by CollegeFootballNews.com.

HAWKEYES DRAFTED DURING FERENTZ ERA
2010 NFL Draft
Round 1 Bryan Bulaga Green Bay Offensive line
Round 2 Pat Angerer Indianapolis Linebacker
Round 3 Amari Spievey Detroit Defensive back
Round 3 Tony Moeaki Kansas City Tight end
2009 NFL Draft
Round 3 Shonn Greene New York Jets Running back
Round 3 Bradley Fletcher St. Louis Defensive back
Round 4 Seth Olsen Denver Offensive line
Round 6 Brandon Myers Oakland Tight end
2008 NFL Draft
Round 3 Charles Godfrey Carolina Defensive back
Round 4 Kenny Iwebema Arizona Defensive end
Round 6 Mike Humpal Pittsburgh Linebacker
2007 NFL Draft
Round 3 Marshal Yanda Baltimore Offensive line
Round 4 Scott Chandler San Diego Tight end
Round 7 Mike Elgin New England Offensive line
2006 NFL Draft
Round 1 Chad Greenway Minnesota Linebacker
Round 3 Abdul Hodge Green Bay Linebacker
2005 NFL Draft
Round 2 Matt Roth Miami Defensive end
Round 2 Jonathan Babineaux Atlanta Defensive line
Round 4 Sean Considine Philadelphia Defensive back
Round 6 Tony Jackson Seattle Tight end
Round 6 Pete McMahon Oakland Offensive line
2004 NFL Draft
Round 1 Robert Gallery Oakland Offensive line
Round 2 Bob Sanders Indianapolis Defensive back
Round 3 Nate Kaeding San Diego Place kicker
Round 7 Jared Clauss Tennessee Defensive line
Round 7 Erik Jensen St. Louis Tight end
2003 NFL Draft
Round 1 Dallas Clark Indianapolis Tight end
Round 2 Eric Steinbach Cincinnati Offensive line
Round 2 Bruce Nelson Carolina Center
Round 5 Derek Pagel New York Jets Defensive back
Round 5 Ben Sobieski Buffalo Offensive line
2002 NFL Draft
Round 2 Ladell Betts Washington Running back
Round 5 Aaron Kampman Green Bay Defensive line
Round 6 Kahlil Hill Atlanta Wide receiver
2001 NFL Draft
Round 6 Kevin Kasper Denver Wide receiver
2000 NFL Draft
Round 5 Austin Wheatley New Orleans Tight end
Round 6 Matt Bowen St. Louis Defensive back