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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Nice job. The tight end battle at camp next year could really be interesting if the Eagles draft or otherwise acquire anyone with talent to challenge Celek. That could be fun.
The fullback position continues to give us all headaches. Remember Jon Ritchie? That seems so long ago.
Too bad Ritchie had concussion problems. He could still be here.
Yeah Ritchie was a good fullback…i forgot about Turner too, he wa another good one.
I hope they bring someone in to challenge Celek atleast…competition is a good thing.
If Celek could block, I’d be pretty happy with him starting. As it is, I want them to draft Pettigrew from OK State and sign a #3 TE who can block. I’ll never understand why they kept Schobel instead of Kris Wilson.
I would love to see Pettigrew in an Eagles’ uniform. But most guys I like never get drafted. For what it’s worth.
hey i want to talk about pettigrew, man think about splitting him out wide against a 5′10 or 5′11 corner and throw him a fad…….no more red zone issues……i think if they do it right make him a hybird and keep celek in at he TE and make the playmakers make the plays…hope to hear back from u guys….i would take PJ Hill late in the 3 rd round for our big back, good RB from Wisconsin, cant take Wells from OSU, i hate them go PSU……
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.