The 2017 NFL Draft climaxed on Saturday, and despite former Alabama wide receiver Gehrig Dieter not being selected through seven rounds, the South Bend, Ind., native has a new home.
According to his Twitter handle, Dieter has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
https://twitter.com/GehrigDieter/status/858459222123663368
He experienced the best of both worlds in college, serving time at Southern Methodist University, Bowling Green State University and the University of Alabama. He would be the marquee target at Bowling Green, snatching 129 passes for 1,493 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015 and 2015. At Alabama, Dieter proved to be quite a special utility player. He caught 15 passes for 214 yards and four touchdowns, while also being a standout athlete on special teams.
After turning in a solid effort at his pro day back in March, head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs have decided to roll the dice and bring Dieter to Missouri. Although he’s disappointed to not hear his name called, Dieter told yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine that going to Kansas City is the “best fit” for him.
This guy dropped just one pass at Pro Day, former Alabama WR Gehrig Dieter is a machine. pic.twitter.com/himBm7qui3
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 8, 2017
“Looking at their draft picks, I noticed that they took one receiver,” Dieter said. “They want to give me the opportunity to come in and earn a spot.”
If one looked at the draft analysis sheet on Dieter, it would notice more weaknesses than strengths provided by the experts. The 6-foot-3 playmaker is determine to put that to rest.
“One of my goals was to get drafted,” he said, “That didn’t happen and it’s surely motivating.”
Even with the craziness of him not being selected, Dieter’s film from two different schools, coaches and conferences is impressive. He intends on taking everything he’s learned and apply it at the next level.
The lone receiver drafted with Dieter was Michigan Wolverine’s target, Jehu Chesson.
As for primetime names, Kansas City carries Chris Conley, Jeremy Maclin, Demarcus Robinson and De’Anthony Thomas on its roster. With Alex Smith at quarterback, the combination of he and Dieter can be very prolific – should he make the 53-man roster in the fall.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
