Day two of the post 2008 Eagles evaluation. Today I’ll take a look at the fullback(s) and tight end positions.
Fullbacks:
Dan Klecko – Is he a defensive tackle? Is he a fullback? I hear tell Andy Reid is pondering a move to right tackle should Jon Runyan not return. Klecko started training camp as the leading candidate at fullback, then was moved back to defense. Jason Davis and Jed Collins didn’t cut the mustard after three pre-season games, so Reid turned to reserve halfback Tony Hunt. Not big enough and unable to transition to lead blocker, Hunt was released in mid-October.
Out of options, Klecko was moved back to fullback and started there the remainder of the season. What a ridiculous soap opera! He did an okay job, but when will the Eagles get a REAL fullback? The last guy I can recall who played the position well was Kevin Turner. That was a long damn time ago. Grade: I’ll give Klecko a C+, but the position as a whole gets an F.
Please find a legit fullback for 2009. Kyle Eckel might be an answer, if he’s given a shot.
Tight Ends:
L.J. Smith – 37 catches for 298 yards and three touchdowns. Missed three games, was invisible in a handful of others. What happened to L.J.? He looked like a Pro Bowler after ’05 and ’06. Injuries and inconsistency plagued his Eagles career. An UFA, I can’t imagine he’ll be back. Grade: D
Brent Celek – The second-year pro caught 27 passes for 318 yards and a score during the regular season. Really stepped-up his game in the playoffs catching 19 balls for 151 yards and three touchdowns. Reminds me of ex-Bird Chad Lewis: good hands and a solid route-runner. With L.J. on his way out, Celek will be given the chance to be the #1 tight end for 2009. Grade: B
Matt Schobel – A non-factor the entire season. He’s pretty much useless. Grade: D
There you have it. Both these positions were areas of concern in 2008. Because of that, there will be a significant amount of uncertainty entering 2009. Will the Eagles draft or sign a legit fullback? Probably. Will they target a tight end early in the draft? I hope so.
Tomorrow, I will dissect the wide receivers. Until then….
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Hoss - Pettigrew, IMO, would solve a lot of the redzone struggles. I also think Celek can be an excellent safety valve type receiver for Don.
I'm not a big P.J. Hill fan. Wisconsin backs don't usually do well in the NFL. See Dayne and Michael Bennett. I'm a PSU fan myself, but I still like Chris Wells. Of course, I'd be shocked if the Birds went after him.
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