Back in late February, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman discussed his intentions of fine-tuning the tight end room. The top three Eagles on the TE depth chart were pending free agents; the future was uncertain, and a call for more diverse talent at the spot was imminent.
Fast forward to the present, and while the tight end room has familiar faces, it's also ushered in a brand new feel of big-play potential. With Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra back, along with newcomer Johnny Mundt - but each on only one-year deals - the future at the position beyond next season saw a major surge in big-play potential now that draft weekend has come and gone.
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Vanderbilt rookie Eli Stowers brings elite athleticism to the position, capable of providing splash plays and stretching the field. Another tight end that's flying under the radar, but one who could make an impact in the passing phase, is Ole Miss undrafted rookie Dae'Quan Wright. Along with Stowers and first-rounder Makai Lemon, Wright excels in making things happen after the catch.
PFF's Max Chadwick asserts that when it comes to tacking yards on after receptions, of the tight ends in this rookie class, Wright stands in a league of his own.
"Wright led ALL Tight Ends in College Football in Yards After Catch Last Season (10.1 yds).
He is the best tight end in the draft after the catch and I don't know if it's even that close."
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The undrafted Perry, Georgia native registers at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, and his versatility is unique. He earned starts this past campaign at Ole Miss at both tight end and even two starts at wideout. His ability to get vertical provides another threat along with Stowers in that regard, as the rookie duo brings far more overall athleticism - and positional flexibility - to the position upon arrival.
New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion likes to utilize tight ends in different ways, and in Wright's case, a year behind the likes of Goedert and Stowers could allow him to develop in the area where he needs plenty of work.
Can't block out the need to improve in the blocking phase
Wright's knock coming out of school is the blocking element. He simply has to show improvement there to stick long-term. Again, though, with the veteran trio of Goedert, Calcaterra, and Mundt, he can grow in that area this coming season - perhaps on the practice squad. Of course, Stowers should absolutely see immediate volume, but don't ignore the long-term appeal of Wright, so long as he improves in run-blocking and consistency. Stowers also has to further develop his blocking skills, as the tandem can rack up yards, but must become more well-rounded.
Either way, there is now a succession plan in place within the tight end room. Stowers in the second signals that the future is now in Philadelphia, as Goedert and the tantalizing talent from Vandy should form a dangerous one-two punch right out of the gates next year. And with Goedert only back on a one-year deal, Stowers will likely take the wheel a year from now at the position.
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But don't discount the undrafted Rebel from eventually making his presence felt in Philadelphia as well.
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