The Eagles’ running backs and wide receivers won’t be near any lists for the top groups in the NFL, but their offensive hopes go beyond those skill positions. Look for the tight ends to fill a major role in the offense, with Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, and Trey Burton all a part of the passing game.
“Tight end is a strength of this roster, this offensive unit,” offensive coordinator Frank Reich said. “If you look at Doug’s [Pederson] system and what they did in Kansas City with their tight ends and how we’ll utilize them here, it’ll be very consistent with that, and we’ve got the players to do it. We can mix it up. They’re all real good, smart route runners – every one of them. So, we expect really good production from that unit.”
Ertz will be the biggest contributor of the group. Ertz caught 75 passes last season for 854 yards and two touchdowns. The receiving yards and touchdowns could see a jump this season. There were five tight ends who led their teams in receiving yards last season. Ertz might join that group that season. Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, and Darren Sproles will all be big parts of the passing offense, but the best mismatch could come from Ertz.
We had a story Sunday on the Eagles looking to involve Trey Burton in the offense, someone who has been a relative unknown with only two years in the league and three career catches. Expect him to split out wide and/or come out of the backfield. Celek is more than a capable receiver, but the safe fantasy bet seems to be Ertz here, and the story talked a lot about his skills.
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