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Tyler Eifert’s time as Notre Dame’s foremost tight end may not have concluded how or even when he expected it to, but he has multiple doors opening to him in the NFL…not the least of which includes a door that could be opened by the Atlanta Falcons.
Eifert’s recognized success at Bishop Dwenger High School included being ranked 12th in the nation on ESPN’s list of top tight ends. His beginnings at Notre Dame, however, were nothing to write home about. In his freshman year, he played only one game after an injury sidelined him. Things began to turn around after that, and Eifert was promoted to starter in his sophomore year after Kyle Rudolph suffered a season-ending injury; his performance that year earned the Notre Dame Offensive Newcomer of the Year award. After being a finalist in his junior year, he won the coveted John Mackey Award in 2012.
A straightforward, get-the-job-done player is what the Falcons need at tight end. Not to say there aren’t capable players besides Tony Gonzalez already in position on the roster, because there are. However, the future must be considered, and Gonzalez has already said that he will retire after this one last season. The arrival of Eifert would keep them all on their toes, and what rookie wouldn’t benefit with Gonzalez as a mentor?
The only foreseeable problem is that Eifert may not be on the board by the time the Falcons are on the clock. He’s definitely worthy to be thrown into the Falcons’ tight end mix…if he’s still available.
Leigh Allen is an NFL Atlanta Falcons writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter, on Facebook, and on Google+.
