With OTAs underway and training camp much close than you would think, here is a look at where things stand with the Eagles' tight ends after free agency and the draft.
Starter: Zach Ertz
Depth: Dallas Goedert, Richard Rodgers, Joshua Perkins, Will Tye
Overall: As is the case at receiver, there is not another team in the NFL with a better set of players at tight end than the Eagles.
To start, the Eagles have one of, if not the best tight end in the NFL in Ertz. After setting an NFL record for catches in a season last year, Ertz made it clear earlier this offseason that his plan is to come into this season and end the debate on who the best tight end in the NFL is. The addition of DeSean Jackson should help him do just that, as teams will have to play a safety deeper next year against the Eagles than they did last season, opening things up for Ertz over the middle. We already know Wentz loves to throw the ball to Ertz, and that likely won't change next season. Expect another big year from Ertz.
Behind Ertz is a player that would be the starter for most teams in the NFL. Goedert showed last year that he is already one of the best receiving tight ends in the league, pulling in 33 catches and four touchdowns in limited playing time. Goedert has great hands, is just as athletic as Ertz and in his second season should only be better as a route runner. Teams are going to have a ton of trouble covering both Ertz and Goedert when they are on the field at the same time.
Behind Ertz and Goedert are two solid options in Rodgers and Perkins. Rodgers missed almost all of last season with a knee injury, but as a third tight end, gives the Eagles a veteran player that should be serviceable if called upon. Perkins saw more time than expected last season, and can't be a full-time player, but in a pinch the team could do worse.
Overall, in a league that is becoming more-and-more about the tight end position, the Eagles should feel very confident about the group they have heading into the 2019 season.
Grade: A
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
