If the Eagles are looking for DeSean Jackson's "replacement," they need to look no further than to their own roster and tight end Zach Ertz.

The Eagles, of course, have added two pieces - Jeremy Maclin and Darren Sproles - to supplement the 2013 production that left with Jackson. But of their current players, Ertz has perhaps the best chance to dramatically increase his numbers now that Jackson is in Washington, especially if the second-year tight end delivers upon Eagles expectations.

"I think Zach can have a huge role," coach Chip Kelly said last week.

Improved blocking will boost his playing time, but the Eagles drafted Ertz for his pass catching. And if he follows the same curve as the game's best from the last decade, he'll play as often as Jackson or any starting receiver.

Ertz averaged 2.8-32-.56 over the final nine games of the season (including the Eagles' sole playoff game) and that included two goose eggs in Week 10 and Week 14. That equates to 6.6 fantasy points per game, which is what Martellus Bennett averaged as the #10 TE in fantasy football. With Jason Avant and DeSean Jackson gone, Ertz could play a lot in the slot. If he can take a step forward in the blocking department, it will help his overall fantasy outlook. He is currently the #11 TE off the board in the 9th round.

Eagles GM Howie Roseman said that Zach Ertz added muscle this offseason and is primed for bigger role in passing game.

Ertz averaged 2.8-32-.56 over the final nine games of the season (including the Eagles' sole playoff game) and that included two goose eggs in Week 10 and Week 14. That equates to 6.6 fantasy points per game, which is what Martellus Bennett averaged as the #10 TE in fantasy football. With Jason Avant and DeSean Jackson gone, Ertz could play a lot in the slot. If he can take a step forward in the blocking department, it will help his overall fantasy outlook.

Goals for the offseason? Zach Ertz expects to take a massive step forward in Year 2.

“I want to be more of a complete tight end. I don’t want there to be a situation where I have to come off the field because it’s a running play or a passing play and the coaches feel they have to get me off the field. That’s what I’m working for this year.”

That's expected to be the case. Ertz could move around the formation quite a bit as the Eagles ultilize his ability to get down the field. The depth at tight end is going to be a weapon as the offense creates favorable matchups.

"We have a great group and Brent (Celek) and James (Casey) have been so helpful," said Ertz. "You hear horror stories from around the league, but that's not the case here. It's been great."

Ertz averaged 2.8-32-.56 over the final nine games of the season (including the Eagles' sole playoff game) and that included two goose eggs in Week 10 and Week 14. That equates to 6.6 fantasy points per game, which is what Martellus Bennett averaged as the #10 TE in fantasy football. If he can take a step forward in the blocking department, it will help his overall fantasy outlook.

Eagles beat writer Zach Berman on TE Zach Ertz: "Look for Ertz to be the primary receiving tight end next season. Ertz, the 2013 second-round pick, finished with 36 catches for 469 yards and four touchdowns last season and improved as the season progressed. I wouldn’t surprised if those numbers doubled in 2014. Ertz, 23, is a developing player with Pro Bowl potential."

The article also states that the Eagles consider Brent Celek a vital part of the team's running game, but that his salary (~$4 million) is high for a blocking TE. Celek has some ability in the passing game, but he's not the natural receiver that Ertz is. For his part, Ertz was a mediocre run blocker in his rookie season. Ertz's upside will be capped somewhat if Celek is still around in 2014.

Back in early October, Eagles QB Michael Vick made a bold prediction regarding rookie tight end Zach Ertz.

“There are three players that I told that they would be great players in this league: I always told Alge Crumpler that he was going to be great, I always told Shady McCoy that he was going to be a great player in this league, and I always told Roddy White. And now I’m saying Zach Ertz. And I think in time, he will be one of the best tight ends in this game.”

Ertz had all of five NFL catches at that point. Still working through a learning curve — steepened by his inability to participate in the offseason program because of graduation rules — the Stanford product played a limited role initially. He was featured more as the year went on and ended with 36 catches for 469 yards with four touchdowns. While we still have a ways to go before determining whether Vick’s intuition is correct, it’s fair to say that there are encouraging signs.

Ertz averaged 2.8-32-.56 over the final nine games of the season (including the Eagles' sole playoff game) and that included two goose eggs in Week 10 and Week 14. That equates to 6.6 fantasy points per game, which is what Martellus Bennett averaged as the #10 TE in fantasy football. Brent Celek is signed through 2016 and he's a far better run blocker than Ertz. James Casey is signed through 2015, and he ate into Ertz's snaps when the Eagles tried to run more. Ertz has top 5 fantasy TE potential, but his run blocking is holding him back.

Eagles TE Zach Ertz (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 14.

Eagles TE Zach Ertz (shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Eagles TE Zach Ertz (shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday.

Eagles TE Brent Celek (hip) took limited practice reps again Thursday. The injury is considered minor, so Celek should be able to play against the Redskins. Zach Ertz would get a bump if Celek can't play.

Eagles TE Brent Celek (hip) took limited practice reps Wednesday. The injury is considered minor, so Celek should be able to play against the Redskins. Zach Ertz would get a bump if Celek can't play.