Moeaki Tabbed by Chiefs

April 23, 2010

Moeaki NFL Draft Video (ESPN)

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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.

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.