At 6’5”, former Stanford tight end Zach Ertz is a big, athletic weapon that can be used in multiple roles all over the field. Despite already having Brent Celek and free-agent signee James Casey on the roster, the Philadelphia Eagles couldn’t pass up on all of Ertz’s potential; making him the Eagles’ highest drafted tight end since the great Keith Jackson in 1988. It’s hard to pin down exactly where Ertz will fit immediately into new head coach Chip Kelly’s offensive system, but we should be able to get a decent idea. Let’s take a look.
College Stats | Year | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD's |
| 2010 | 16 | 190 | 11.9 | 5 |
| 2011 | 27 | 346 | 12.8 | 4 |
| 2012 | 69 | 898 | 13.0 | 6 |
| Totals: | 112 | 1,434 | 12.8 | 15 |
Obviously Kelly knows Ertz from his time in the Pac 12, and certainly must have a plan for him. Kelly was quoted as saying that Ertz was their target all along and noted the multiple ways that Stanford used him, saying “They used him in a multiple variety. They used him as a single receiver...He was by himself isolated on the DB. They use him as a tight end. They used him as a H-back. They used him as a move guy. They used him all over the place.
You couldn’t isolate him in one certain spot. If Kelly can implement a strong offensive plan that can utilize Ertz in such a way, it’s going to cause mismatches and create a ton of opportunities. When lined up outside or in the slot, Ertz can use his size to overpower smaller defensive backs, and if he’s lined up as a tight end or H-back, he can use his athleticism to create separation against slower linebackers. Kelly has also said that they would to be able to utilize three tight end sets, with Casey most likely lined up as an H-back.
Due to the likely frantic pace of the Eagles’ new offense, Ertz could quickly emerge as the No. 1 tight end and a favorite weapon in the offense. He’s younger and less injury prone than the other tight ends on the roster and is more used to a fast-paced offense being fresh out of college.
It’s too early to tell if you can rely on Ertz as a TE1 in standard redraft leagues yet, but he’s at this point he’s a solid TE2 or FLEX option, especially in PPR leagues. But in the dynasty world, Ertz is a great pick in either your startup or rookie draft. He’ll be a solid TE2 or FLEX option from the start and will likely develop into a good TE1 option down the road.
2013 Stat Projections: 35 receptions, 440 yards and five touchdowns.