It's combine week in the NFL and PSN has got you covered for the Eagles positional targets. Each day we'll be going position by position to highlight some of the prospects to keep your eyes on. This article will be looking at one of the more overlooked positions in this year's draft: the tight ends.
Why?
While the Eagles have one of the best one-two punches in the league at tight end, the third tight end position has become an increasingly important piece of the puzzle for Philadelphia. Whether due to injury, game script or positional match up, the Birds used a third tight end in 12% of their offensive snaps over the last two years. Plus, we were able to see the full force of what a talented third tight end can bring to the offense in 2017, when Trey Burton saw the field 26% of the time.
There are two trains of thought for the type of tight end the Eagles may be looking for. The first is a steady blocker. Dallas Goedert is one of the better blockers at the position and Zach Ertz has drastically improved his skills since coming into the league. Still, both players are much more valuable as receiving threats and adding a third-in-line tight end could free them up for that purpose. Also, we've seen the Eagles use more three tight end sets the last few years, with linemen like Isaac Seumalo taking on the role. Instead, the team could look to add a third tight end for those situations. In this case, the focus would be to find a solid blocker, with some athletic upside as a pass-catcher.
The other lens the Eagles could be looking at prospective tight ends through is a versatile move tight end with slot capabilities. We saw more of this with Joshua Perkins last year, especially after the Eagles became thin at receiver. While the hope is to have more health in the receiver room this season, an offensive mastermind like Doug Pederson can never have too many aerial threats on the field. Still, even if the player's primary role will be as a pass-catcher, the Eagles will need a capable blocker to fill in -- something that Perkins did not offer.
Who?
It would be absolute bedlam if the Eagles decided to use a top selection on a tight end, so names like Notre Dame's Cole Kmet, Washington's Hunter Bryant, and Purdue's Brycen Hopkins won't be on the radar. Realistically, a large portion of the tight ends at the combine will likely be too rich for the Birds, who are already relatively set at the position. Still, just to add some fun to Thursday's drills, here are some names to watch out for.
In-Line Options
Thaddeus Moss | Louisiana State
Yes, that Moss. Despite being the son of an NFL legend, Thaddeus brings a very different skill set to the table than his father. The LSU prospect makes most of his money as an imposing in-line blocker. He's got fantastic technique and is a polished blocker both in the run game and in pass protection -- something not as common in tight ends these days.
Although his game is currently limited by his rigidity as a route runner and overall athleticism, there is some upside in both regards. If nothing else, he'll enter the league as an accomplished red-zone receiver, carrying over his ability to box out defenders and high point the football. However, a solid 40 and 3-cone drill time would turn some heads. What will be most important is how fluid he looks running his routes and how well he catches the football.
Jared Pinkney | Vanderbilt
6'4", 254 lbs and tough, Pinkney brings exactly what you would want in a third tight end. As a blocker, his size translates well and he shows flashes of what could be a dominant force. As a receiving option, he has dependable hands and can get open running simple routes. For a guy his size, he's even got some impressive athleticism that leads to a more expansive role with practice. For Pinkney, the biggest obstacle will be putting all of these facets together and bringing them consistently.
With knocks on his explosiveness, a solid 40 time would do wonders for his draft stock. Running smooth routes and displaying natural hands would also be in his best interest. He may also be able to set himself apart with a dominant showing on the bench press. He's shown glimpses of how overpowering he can be, but having tangible evidence would really drive the point home.
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Josiah Deguara | Cincinnati
Another player that checks a lot of the third tight end boxes, Deguara has limited athleticism but will outwork anyone who he is lined up against. A high floor, limited ceiling kind of guy, there aren't many glaring holes in his game. He won't offer you much as a downfield receiver but has the tools and the football IQ to get open underneath. When targeted, he's got natural hands, if not top tier. As a blocker, even at 6'3", 245 lbs, there are some size limitations, but there is no lack of heart. Some improved technique along with some time in an NFL weight room would make some immediate improvements.
Deguara could realistically do with a good showing in any of the combine drills. Any hint of some overlooked athleticism would do him well. Specifically, a good bench time would be a bonus, as he will likely spend his early days as an in-line blocker. However, a good 40-time may cause teams to consider his potential as a receiving threat, knowing that he has some sure traits and will give 100%. Deguara seems like one of those prospects that's hard to go wrong with and could really do himself some favors with a good combine.
Pass-Catching Options
Colby Parkinson | Stanford
Parkinson is an impressive figure at 6'7", 252 lbs and will turn heads just by his size. However, as a prospect, his skill set profiles much better as a receiver than as a blocker. A massive catch radius and surprising straight-line speed make him a very viable downfield receiver. He doesn't offer much in the way of a diverse route tree but has shown the versatility to line up in various positions. As an in-line blocker, it's a bit confounding that a man his size just can't put it together. Perhaps some time spent under the wing of a veteran NFL coach such as Justin Peelle could change that.
The first boon to Parkinson's draft profile could be his weigh-in. At 6'7", he still has room to add some weight to his frame, which could convince scouts that there is some hope of him developing the physical side of his game. 252 lbs is a pretty solid weight even considering his height. A strong showing at the bench press could have the same effect. Lateral quickness is also a hole in his game, and a good 3-cone time would be a welcome surprise.
Jacob Breeland | Oregon
A tight end that was featured all over the formation at Oregon, Breeland would bring some necessary versatility to the third tight end role for the Eagles. At 6'5", he has some length, which is evident in his catch radius. He also has some solid long speed, which made him an occasional deep threat in college. However, his play strength and functional athleticism are limited. He can be physical as a receiver, but as a blocker, he regularly gets overpowered and won't drive many defenders off the line. His technique is okay and his football IQ and effort levels indicate some potential.
The most significant trait you'd like to see from Breeland is some explosion. All of his length is for naught if he can't get up in the air and fight for the football. Both the long jump and vertical jump will be a place for him to prove himself. A good showing on the bench could also inspire some hope that he can add strength and develop his skills as a blocker.
Cheyenne "C.J." O'Grady | Arkansas
Despite being a tad undersized, O'Grady has one of the better-projected ceilings of any 2020 prospect at the tight end position. He has all the necessary athleticism to be both a proficient receiver and blocker. At the catch point, he fights for the football and will come down with it more often than not. He's also competitive and physical after the catch, something the Eagles could use more of at the tight end position. While his explosion out of his breaks and long speed won't jump off the screen, he is above average in both areas. As a blocker, he has all the physical traits and shows good effort, but will need some technical work in the NFL.
The biggest concern with O'Grady is his off-field issues. He was suspended a total of three times and was eventually dismissed from Arkansas. This could cause him to slide and create some fantastic value for a team that is willing to take a chance. A fantastic combine could help teams overlook those concerns, and he was invited to the combine for the opportunity to do so. However, the most important part of the weekend for O'Grady will be his interviews. The Eagles have been hesitant taking players with marks on their record and are always a big believer in combine interviews. Perhaps they will give the man an opportunity to redeem himself.
