As the 2022 NFL Draft nears, we’re taking a look at every position on both sides of the ball to find some options for the Eagles throughout the three-day event. We started with QBs, RBs and WRs. Up today: TEs.
The Eagles have one of the best tight ends in the league in Dallas Goedert and they paid him like it with an extension during the 2021 season.
But after the Zach Ertz trade, the Eagles’ No. 2 tight end was 2021 UDFA Jack Stoll, who was fine as a blocker but caught just four passes as a rookie. And third-string tight end Tyree Jackson is recovering from a torn ACL.
So this is a sneaky position of need heading into the 2022 draft.
Even after the Eagles’ trade with the Saints, they still have two first-round picks and 10 total:
1-15 (from Miami)
1-18 (from New Orleans)
2-51
3-83
3-101 (from New Orleans)
4-124
5-154 (from Washington)
5-162
5-166 (from Arizona)
7-237 (from New Orleans)
Here are some tight end options throughout the draft:
NFL
In first round
N/a.
There don’t appear to be any tight ends destined for the first round … but it is a pretty deep class and the Eagles can probably find a pretty good one in Day 2 or 3.
In the middle rounds
Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State (6-5, 252): You look at Ruckert’s numbers and walk away unimpressed. How can a guy with just 26 catches for 309 yards in 2021 be one of the top tight ends in his class? Well, it’s about projection. And in an offense with three first-round receivers it’s hard to get targets. Ruckert has pass-catching ability, though, and was off to a great start at the Senior Bowl before a minor injury.
Greg Dulcich, UCLA (6-4, 243): Like a lot of TE prospects, Dulcich has some room to grow as a blocker but put up big numbers in 2021 with 42/725/5. In his final two college seasons, Dulcich was a big-play machine, averaging over 18 yards per catch.
Charlie Kolar, Iowa State (6-6, 260): Eagles TEs coach Jason Michael was at the Iowa State pro day to get a closer look at Kolar, who has great size, steady hands and the ability to grow into an even better blocker.
Jelani Woods, Virginia (6-7, 253): He didn’t do every test at the combine but Woods aced his pro day with some incredible marks to go along with his 4.61 at the combine. His vertical (37 1/2), broad jump (10-9) and 3-cone (6.95s) were all extremely impressive. Woods began his career at Oklahoma State but transferred to Virginia in 2021 and had a big season with 44 catches, 598 yards and 8 touchdowns. He’s a slightly older prospect (23) but is gaining steam.
Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina (6-4, 245): The Eagles just drafted a Coastal player (Tarron Jackson) last season, so maybe they go back to the well. Likely had a monster 2021 season with 59/912/12. Plenty of upside for the versatile Likely, who caught 27 touchdowns in four seasons.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Maryland (6-2, 238): After missing the entire 2020 season with myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), Okonkwo returned in 2021 with his best college season. He had 52/447/5 for the Terps this past season and came on strong late in the year. Perhaps a little undersized, Okonkwo is pretty athletic and he showed that in his pre-draft tests. Still, his size might hurt him.
Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin (6-5, 250): Ferguson might not have the athletic upside of some of these other tight ends, but he’d be ready to step in as a No. 2 tight end and be an efficient blocker from Day 1. He also offers something as a receiver; he caught 46 for 450 in 2021.
Late-round sleeper(s)
Cole Turner, Nevada (6-6, 249): Another of several impressive tight ends at the Senior Bowl this year. Turner had two big seasons at tight end after converting from the WR position. He’s really a hybrid TE/WR at this point and he needs to continue to improve as a blocker.
Austin Allen, Nebraska (6-7, 253): A huge target with an impressive athletic profile. He had a big season in 2021 with 38/602/2 and also has some ability as a blocker. He’s not a finished product but has upside as a late Day 3 pick.
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