Zach Ertz Taking Steps To Become An Elite Tight End

The Philadelphia Eagles have generated a lot of stories lately, many of which are cast in a dim and negative light. But with the recent news that Eagles tight end Zach Ertz received advice from Tony Gonzalez, finally a bright spot has emerged this offseason. Now entering his third season, Zach Ertz has shown his ability as a route runner yet has continued to struggle as a blocker. Taking an offseason approach such as Ertz is the first step towards elevating his game to the next level.

Ertz discussed his meeting with Gonzalez, one of the greatest tight ends of all time, in a recent blog post on his site, ZachErtz86.com.

"One of the other things I did when I was in Southern California was meet Tony Gonzalez. I got his number from one of our tight end coaches — he played with Tony when they were in Atlanta together — and I just cold texted him. It was a no-lose situation for me. If he said “no,” then I would have respectfully understood.He said yes. So I drove to see him.The funny thing was that I wasn’t nervous about meeting him at all. He was such a genuine person on the text message that it made it seem like it was something that he would love to do. He actually was fired up about it. It wasn’t like going to meet an idol, which he truly is of mine. It was just going to meet a friend."

Exceptional play at the tight end position is a rarity for the Philadelphia Eagles. There has not been a Pro Bowl tight end for the team since Chad Lewis in 2002. Keith Jackson in 1990 was the last All-Pro tight end for the Eagles. L.J. Smith and Clay Harbor were occupied roster spots and nothing more. Brent Celek has been reliable but also has limited upside as a pass catcher. Zach Ertz is hoping to change the sentiment on Philadelphia Eagles tight ends.

Receiving tutelage from one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history does not necessarily lead to improved results on the field. Receiving training from one of the best offensive line coaches from the 1990’s doesn’t ensure Ertz will improve as a blocker. Practicing with Drew Brees, Darren Sproles, and fitness extraordinaire Todd Durkin can certainly prepare Ertz for Chip Kelly’s high tempo practices.

Will this translate to more success on the field? Nothing is set in stone. But everything about Zach Ertz’s offseason has hinted towards both increased time on the field along with increased production for the third year tight end. Ertz was one of many Eagles veterans that attended voluntary mini-camps last week. And in doing so, Ertz echoed the sentiment of the team regarding (then) teammate Evan Mathis.

"“I hate to say it, but a college coach of mine said, ‘Out of sight, out of mind,’” – Zach Ertz on teammate(s) missing from practice"

With the loss of Jeremy Maclin, the Philadelphia Eagles passing game is going to need players to step up in order to maximize the abilities of quarterback Sam Bradford. Zach Ertz is precisely the type of player that can help the passing game in 2015. In fact if the right chips fall into place, I foresee Ertz surpassing Eagles tight end Pete Retzlaff’s 1965 season of 1,190 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. By doing so, the Eagles should have their first Pro Bowl tight end in over a decade.

Next: Josh Huff Poised For Breakout in 2015

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