Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The one thing that is the most intriguing to me would be the Philadelphia Eagles‘ tight end situation. I am thinking that Chip Kelly will use his tight ends like the New England Patriots do. Or should I say, the New England Tim Tebows. You can call them what ever you like, but I love how they use their tight ends in routes. With Brent Celeck, James Casey and Zach Ertz the Eagles look to have the talent to do so. The one guy, who I could see in a Rob Gronkowski-type role is Ertz.
Ertz, 22, was taken by the Eagles in the second round with the 35th overall pick. The 6′ 5″ 250 pound tight end is a solid athlete. In college he was known for his good route running, as well as his ability to get separation and get behind the defense with his “sneaky” quickness. He also was a decent run blocker, which will likely fit nicely into Chip’s schemes.
If things play out the right way, he could be able to open some things for DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin on the outside. The dude also has a little bit of Brent Celek in him and doesn’t mind running over opponents. Though I wonder if he is worried who will throw the ball to him. Just kidding.
Chip took four PAC 12 players in this year’s draft obviously because he faced them all, but Ertz is likely the one he remembers the most. Ertz had 11 catches for 106 yards and a game-tying touchdown against Chip’s Oregon Ducks in the Stanford Cardinal‘s 17-14 win over the Ducks last season. That was the Ducks’ only loss and ruined their shot at the National Championship Game.
Ertz led the nation in receiving yards by a tight end last year and looks to be the most ready of the draft picks to make an immediate impact on this Eagles team. Plus, he understands there is no “Taco Tuesday” on a Chip Kelly diet plan.
Joseph Hickman is a Philadelphia Eagles writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @phillytugger, “Like” him on
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