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The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off their first Super Bowl win in franchise history, leading to some notable departures this offseason. Particularly at the tight end position, both of Pro Bowler Zach Ertz's backups, Brent Celek and Trey Burton, moved on.
In response, the franchise selected former South Dakota State tight end Dallas Goedert in the second round of this year's NFL draft to help stabilize the position. According to Rueben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Goedert has already made a strong impression on Ertz, who said he believes that the 23-year-old brings a new element to the position and the offense as a whole.
“It’s going to be different than in years past,” Ertz said. “In years past, when it was me and Brent (Celek) on the field it was more run-dominant. When it was me and Trey (Burton), it was more pass-dominant and teams went nickel. … When it was Trey and I, I was always the guy with my hand in the ground [to block].
“[Now], teams are going to really have to choose whether they want to go base or go nickel to the two of us. … Now you can kind of vary it up.”
In his four-year collegiate career at South Dakota State, Goedert proved to be a dynamic pass catcher, tallying 198 receptions for 2,988 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. He posted back-to-back 1,000 receiving yard campaigns in his final two seasons, topped off by 72 catches for 1,111 receiving yards and seven touchdowns his senior year.
If he pans out, Goedert and Ertz will create a tough matchup for opposing defenses on a weekly basis. Goedert has a chance to secure a consistent role in the passing game that could add another element to the offense with Celek and Burton gone.
