I mentioned in my article about wide receivers that the deep threat of DeSean Jackson’s speed opens up the middle of field for the Eagles offense.
The one position group that should benefit from that the most is tight end. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case for most of 2010.
Whether it was injuries, helping the offensive line in pass protection or sometimes just a clear case of “butterfingers” the tight end group had a sub par season.
Collectively, the Eagles’ tight ends had 53 receptions in 2010. In 2009, Brent Celek had 76 catches by himself.
Will the Eagles address this position during the offseason or will they look at 2010 as an off year??
BRENT CELEK
As noted earlier, Celek had what should’ve been a Pro Bowl season in 2009. In addition to his reception total, he had almost 1000 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.
Celek may have needed to stay back more than usual and help the O-line with pass protection, but even he has to admit there were a few passes he would like to have back.
Celek had 42 receptions out of 79 targets. That’s not good for someone who’s supposed to be the quarterbacks safety valve.
No. 87 signed a contract extension during to 2009 season. He’ll definitely be back next year to try to redeem himself.
CLAY HARBOR
Harbor was a 4th round pick out of Missouri State in last year’s draft. During his rookie season he was not utilized often in the passing game.
Almost half of his catches were obtained in the season finale against Dallas.
Hopefully, he comes back to have a strong sophomore season and be able to contribute more.
CORNELIUS INGRAM
This individual may finally evolve into a key component to the Eagles offense. Ingram missed his entire senior season at Florida due to and ACL tear.
He supposedly had first round talent, but fell to Philadelphia in the fifth round and was considered a sleeper.
Unfortunately, Ingram tore the same ACL during the 2009 training camp and was placed on injured reserve. He returned in 2010 but obviously didn’t regain his speed that made him such a threat. Ingram was released during the final cuts.
During the 2010 season, Ingram was signed to the Eagles practice squad. It’s obvious that Reid and Co. haven’t given up on him yet.
If he regains his speed and is as fast as people have said he is, Ingram and Celek could finally become the tandem the Eagles’ front office envisioned in 2009.
JOHN NALBONE
There’s not much to say about Nalbone outside of the fact that he was signed by Philly a few days after being eliminated from the playoffs.
Nalbone is a local guy (Lawrenceville, NJ) drafted in the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins in 2009. He spent the second half of his rookie season on their practice squad.
In 2010 he had stints on Minnesota’s and Denver’s practice squads. Chances are he’ll spend 2011 on the Eagles’s practice squad.
2011 Forecast
I don’t see the Eagles making any drastic changes to their tight end unit. What you see is likely what they’ll be working with.
There’s a chance Andy Reid may see someone he likes available in the late rounds or as an undrafted rookie free agent.
A bigger, blocking tight end would be a nice pickup in my opinion. I wouldn’t mind seeing them acquire a Lee Smith (Marshall) or Weslye Saunders (South Carolina) and at least see what they can offer in training camp.
Draft is not very deep at TE but the players Haran mentioned and especially
TE Lee Smith from MArshall would be a great pick in the 6th Rd
He’s 6-6 260lbs (almost like having another OL) and has pretty soft hands for a big guy..
Tis is all projections. Celek needs to get his act together.
They loved Bo Scaife in the past. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sign if it’s a reasonable number. He’s not a blocker, but the eagles don’t look for blockers.
I’m hope Ingram is healthy and can play, now I’ve made that comment about him for the third year in a row.