With the 34th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Stanford Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz. Ertz is the No. 34-rated player in the draft rankings from SB Nation's Dan Kadar and the second-rated tight end.
2013 NFL Draft results: Zach Ertz selected by Eagles with No. 34 overall pick
The Eagles added arguably the best tight end left in the draft to be a blocker and pass catcher in Chip Kelly’s offense.
Joe Robbins
Rule of Tree on Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz was the primary weapon in the Stanford pass offense this past season. After the Cardinal had powered their opponents off-balance with a steady dose of power running, Ertz was the main target play action that helped. Ertz caught 69 passes for 898 yards and acted as a default number one wide receiver for Stanford. He proved he could play not just as a tight end but also line up in the slot and run receiver routes. Ertz does struggle with his quickness and isn't as adept as a blocker so he might be more suited to an offense that makes him pass.Ertz is a complete tight end with solid ability as both a receiver and a blocker. He uses his huge frame to his advantage both in blocking and as a receiver, where he is skilled at using his body to shield defenders. At times he has excellent hands, making impressive catches, but he is also prone to the occasional drop.
Ertz finished the 2012 season with 69 catches for 898 yards and six touchdowns and was a unanimous All-American. He led all Stanford receivers in yards and all FBS tight ends as well. He was one of three finalists for the Mackey Award, which was awarded to Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert. Over his four years, three of which he saw action, Ertz racked up 1,434 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Eagles currently had Brent Celek and Clay Harbor in the top two spots on the depth chart. Both players are young, so there isn’t really a glaring need at the position for the Eagles. That said, Ertz is a potentially special player. He is great speed, size and enough blocking ability to make an immediate impact as a rookie.
Combine/Pro Day results
Height: 6’5
Weight: 249 pounds
Hand size: 9.75 inches
Arm length: 31.75 inches
40-yard dash: 4.62 seconds (pro day)
Vertical jump: 35.5 (pro day)
Broad jump: 9’6 (pro day)
Bench press: 24 reps
3-cone drill: 7.08 seconds
Ertz came up big in some of Stanford's biggest games, including a game-winning touchdown against USC in 2012. The way that talented tight ends like Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham have re-shaped NFL offenses, teams are looking for the next great one. Ertz has the potential to do big things early in his NFL career.
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