Dallas Goedert became the Eagles’ first-string tight end after Week 6 last year when Zach Ertz was traded to Arizona.
Goedert had been the back-up for four seasons, playing behind Ertz.
Goedert’s time on the field — plus his potential — must have been impressive. He was selected by Pro Football Network as the seventh-best tight end in the NFL.
Goedert’s climb from back-up to seventh-best in the NFL is remarkable.
Right behind him, in eighth place? Ertz.
In first spot — Kansas City’s Travis Kelce.
Goedert’s four-year stats aren’t mind-blowing but are more than solid— 193 catches for 2,295 yards and 16 touchdowns. Blocking is part of a tight end’s portfolio and Goedert is more than adequate.
Here is what PFN said about Goedert: “After the Eagles traded Zach Ertz … Goedert became Philadelphia’s primary tight end for the first time in his career. He responded by putting up 56 catches for a career-high 830 yards and four touchdowns on a 79 percent snap rate.
“Goedert has never received more than 87 targets in a single season. While he could reach a new mark now that Ertz is gone, Goedert will have to contend with the addition of A.J. Brown, who is sure to soak up looks for Jalen Hurts.
“And if the Eagles continue to run the ball at the highest rate in the NFL, Goedert could be relegated to a blocking role.
“But when given a chance, Goedert is an outstanding pass-catching weapon. In 2021, he ranked first among tight ends in yards per route run and yards after the catch per reception (min. 50 targets). Signed to a four-year extension last November, Goedert will be part of Philadelphia’s offensive attack for seasons to come.”
Ertz spent nine seasons with the Eagles. He had the Super Bowl-winning touchdown catch to put the Eagles ahead, 38-33, with 2:21 to play.
In his career, Ertz has 635 catches for 6,841 yards and 41 touchdowns.
WHAT PFN SAYS ABOUT ERTZ
Since Ertz is an always beloved Eagle, we want to tell you what PFN said about him: “Ertz slots in right behind his former Eagles cohort. After getting dealt to Arizona, the 32-year-old experienced an uptick in production, recording 56 receptions, 574 yards, and three touchdowns over 11 games in the desert.
“Ertz’s career-high target mark is 156, and while he probably won’t even reach that figure again, he could be in for 130-140 looks in 2022. DeAndre Hopkins is suspended for the first six games of the season, Christian Kirk departed in free agency, and it’s unclear if the Cardinals have figured out how to use Rondale Moore. Second-round rookie TE Trey McBride could see time in 12 personnel, but he’ll have to get past Maxx Williams just to become Arizona’s No. 2 tight end.
“Trade acquisition Marquise Brown will take over a significant role in the offense, but Ertz will be Kyler Murray’s primary target over the middle of the field. Ertz isn’t going to break many tackles or offer much after the catch. He’s at the stage of his career where he mostly hauls in the ball and goes down. But as long he can keep finding holes in opposing defenses, he’ll be effective.”
TOP 10, WITH PHILLY CONNECTIONS
1) Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (brother of Jason)
From PFN: The epitome of consistency, Travis Kelce has been a first- or second-team All-Pro in each of the past six seasons. He topped 1,000 yards in all those campaigns.
With Tyreek Hill gone, Kelce will become an even more critical asset for the Chiefs. Kansas City brought in receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Skyy Moore, but Kelce should comfortably lead the team in targets next year.
2) Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
3) George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
4) Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons (Archbishop Wood High grad)
5) Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders
6) Rob Gronkowski, Free agent
7) Goedert, Eagles
8) Ertz, Cardinals
9) Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys
10) Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins (Penn State and Southern Regional High grad)
