Philadelphia Eagles way-too-early roster projection: Skill positions

Dallas Goedert set for a breakout season with Philadelphia Eagles.

Tight Ends (3): Dallas Goedert, Richard Rodgers, Jack Stoll

In his first three seasons in Philly, Dallas Goedert has been a key offensive weapon for this team. Assuming Zach Ertz is not here this upcoming season, Goedert will take on the starter role.

Every season, he has taken steps forward. Last year, he had career highs in catches per game (4.2) and yards per game (47.6). He does it all. He can go to the boundary and win against corners in press-man coverage. He can find the soft spot against any zone coverage. He can block at an elite level.

Anything he is asked to do, he goes to go above and beyond. Despite missing five games last year, he has still played in 42 out of a possible 48 career games.

Richard Rodgers was recently re-signed after a surprisingly solid season in 2020. If the Eagles are going to run more 12 personnel with him in the lineup, he must improve as a blocker both in the run game and in pass protection. If he isn’t at least average in those areas, expect more 11 personnel this year. Either way, it made a lot of sense to bring him back as the backup in a transition season. With a lot of developmental tight ends competing for the final spot, Jack Stoll should get the nod.

Tyree Jackson and Hakeem Butler, are switching to tight end, which is not an easy task. Jason Croom and Caleb Wilson, have limited experience but haven’t shown enough to stay on NFL rosters up to this point. A few of them will still make the practice squad which will be needed since Jack Stoll has an injury history.

If healthy, he is an above-average third option as both a receiver and blocker. While he isn’t the biggest tight end on the planet, he is going to come down with the ball in his hands and fall forward for extra yards. If he plays well enough, he could surpass Rodgers as the backup down the road but it will take time.