Draft Buzz: Eagles Work Out Stanford TE Ertz
Several draft nuggets to get to from over the weekend…
The Eagles had new tight ends coach Ted Williams work out Stanford’s Zach Ertz, according to Adam Caplan. Ertz (6-5, 249) had 69 catches for 898 yards last season, scoring six touchdowns and averaging a healthy 13.01 yards per catch. He had 20 catches of 15+ yards and six catches of 20+ yards.
Not known as much of a blocker, Ertz is described by many as a “move” tight end, meaning he can line up in various places on offense.
“I think Jason Witten is somebody that I’ve kind of look towards the past couple of years,” Ertz said at the Combine. “He truly is a complete tight end. A very good run blocker and a very good pass catcher. I think that’s something that I kind of try and emulate.”
The Eagles currently have Brent Celek and Clay Harbor on the roster. They also added James Casey in free agency. But Harbor’s no lock to make the roster, and they could look to add another tight end in the draft. Analysts project Ertz as a Day 2 (second or third round) pick.
EAGLES WORK OUT LOCAL OL
The Eagles are one of several teams to have worked out Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh, according to NFL Draft Insider. The 6-4, 307-pounder from Council Rock South played tackle in college, but could be moved to guard since he doesn’t have the longest arms (32 inches).
“Well it’s actually crazy,” Pugh said at the Combine. “I played three years never knowing I had short arms. …It didn’t really hurt me then. I didn’t know I had short arms until I got to the Senior Bowl.”
Pugh’s draft projections range from the first to third rounds, likely depending on whether teams view him as a tackle or a guard.
MORE WORKOUTS
* The Eagles will hold a private workout with Miami cornerback Brandon McGee (5-11, 193), according to Aaron Wilson. McGee was a top-100 recruit coming out of high school and started 25 games in four seasons with the Hurricanes. He’s expected to be a mid-round pick.
* The Birds also worked out another defensive back, Cal’s Josh Hill, according to Tony Pauline. Hill (5-10, 203) did not participate in the Combine and projects as a late-round pick. He showed versatility in four seasons at Cal, playing nickel corner, safety and special teams.
* Eagles player personnel executive Rick Mueller worked out Tulane quarterback Ryan Griffin (6-5, 216) per NOLA.com.
“I probably threw about 30 to 40 (passes) again,” Griffin said, comparing it to his workout with the Saints. “This was a little bit different. It was more just working me out, putting me through drills rather than just throwing to receivers.”
Griffin added: “(Mueller) didn’t really talk a lot — it went well. The feedback I did get said I did well.”
Draft analyst Matt Waldman describes Griffin as a “classic pocket passer” and says he lacks the mobility to make plays with his legs. Doesn’t sound like a Chip Kelly guy, but clearly the Eagles are doing their homework on all QB options (as usual). Griffin could be a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
* USC center Khaled Holmes worked out for the Eagles on campus, per CBSSports.com. Holmes (6-3, 302) played right guard as a sophomore before switching to center in his final two seasons.
* And finally, the Eagles had a private workout with Princeton defensive end/outside linebacker Mike Catapano, according to Gil Brandt of NFL.com. Catapano (6-3, 271) projects as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. Brandt suggests Catapano could be a fourth- or fifth-round pick.
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