There has been plenty of attention paid to the Eagles' tight end position this offseason as everyone waits to see what will happen with Zach Ertz.
The team's new starter, meanwhile, is getting some attention as well around the league.
ProFootball Focus recently ranked their top 32 tight ends in the NFL, and not only did Dallas Goedert rank ahead of Ertz, but he came in at No. 5 overall in the entire league.
Why did they place Goedert 5th overall?
PFF writes:
Goedert splitting the field with Zach Ertz to begin his career has created a situation where many don't realize just how good he has been. Kittle is held high as the shining example of a "dual-threat" tight end who challenges defenses as a receiver and blocker (for good reason). But Goedert is actually the only tight end in the NFL with receiving and run-blocking grades of 80.0 or higher since 2018. He ranks seventh in receiving grade and first in run-blocking grade over that three-year span.
Ertz was ranked 13th, which is way too low, but not surprising considering he is coming off of a down season. It will be interesting to see where he ranks next offseason after a full year healthy and with a new team.
As for Goedert, the Eagles clearly very much believe in the fourth-year tight end, considering they are going to let Ertz leave and make Goedert the featured tight end. Goedert has seen more playing time each season, playing 48% of the snaps on offense his rookie year in 16 games, 66% in 2019 and then 54% in 2020 despite missing time with an ankle injury.
Once Ertz is gone, the Eagles are going to need Goedert to step up next season and prove he is one of the best tight ends in the league. The success of their offense might depend on it — and Goedert will have a huge payday coming his way next offseason if he does.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
