Without really knowing what Chip Kelly's offense is going to look like, we can only speculate how he's going to use his tight ends.
But based on what he did at Oregon, and how his TEs looked (tall and thin), Kelly isn't looking for the next Michael Hoomanawanui, a glorified third OT. His TEs will be pass catchers first, second and third. Having already scrapped his fullback, he plans on using a two-TE scheme and could carry up to four.
The Eagles already have Brent Celek (6-5) and Clay Harbor (6-3) on the roster, and while both are good players, both come with injury concerns. Celek gets hit harder more often than any other Eagle I've watched in recent history. Harbor is the more athletic of the two but broke bones in his back late last season and never broke out under Andy Reid. Perhaps Kelly can tap into the speed that got Harbor drafted out of obscure Southwest Missouri State.
Free agent signee James Casey will also play TE, as well as line up in the backfield, and offers the versatility and athleticism Kelly seems to covet, despite lacking the height (6-3) the head coach had at Oregon.
The 2013 TE class is deep with the kind of pass catchers Kelly likes. I can't see the position being a priority early in the draft, but if the right guy slips into the third round, I could see the Eagles jumping at getting Kelly another weapon.
Top 10 tight ends (for the Eagles):
1. Tyler Eifert - Notre Dame
The consensus top TE in the draft, Eifert offers the size (6-6/251) and hands to be a dangerous weapon from Day 1. No TE in the draft does a better job on jump balls or making catches in a crowd. Eifert led all FBS tight ends in catches (63) in 2011 and won the Mackey Award in 2012 as the top TE in the nation. First-round pick. (See profile).
2. Zach Ertz - Stanford
I really like Ertz (6-5/249), and while I think it's unlikely, it wouldn't shock me if Kelly grabbed him at the top of the second round. Ertz was one of three excellent TEs at Stanford but still managed to stand out. The junior was named first team All-American in 2012. Not quite the athlete Eifert is, Ertz is tough and physical after the catch. Second-round pick. (See profile).
3. Gavin Escobar - San Diego State
A smooth route runner and pure receiver, Escobar can barely be called a TE. Not much of a blocker despite his great size (6-6/254), Escobar thrives down the seam but will need to get tougher when going for contested balls. Second-round pick. (See profile).
4. Vance McDonald - Rice
McDonald was frequently used at WR at Rice -- testament to the big (6-4/267) TE's athletic ability and hands. McDonald impressed at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. His stock is definitely on the rise. Second-round pick. (See profile).
5. Jordan Reed - Florida
The only thing holding me back on Reed is his size (6-2/236). While Kelly might ideally like his TEs taller, Reed offers Casey-like versatility. He played QB, TE, WR and RB for Florida. Sounds like a good fit for the Eagles. Third-round pick. (See profile).
6. Travis Kelce - Cincinnati
Jason's brother, Travis (6-5/255) is a top-notch athlete, but off-field issues don't sit well with me. Third-round pick. (See profile).
7. Ryan Otten - San Jose State
A pure pass catcher, Otten (6-5/230) offers little in terms of blocking. Fourth-round pick.
8. Dion Sims - Michigan State
A huge (6-5/262) target, Sims can really run for a big guy. Not a great receiver, but knows how to use his size. Fifth-round pick. (See profile).
9. Chris Gragg - Arkansas
Speed is the name of the game with Gragg (6-3/244), who ran a 4.50 40 at the NFL Combine. Fifth-round pick. (See profile).
10. Nick Kasa - Colorado
Playing for a terrible Colorado team, Kasa (6-6/269) proved to be a good athlete and above-average blocker. Sixth-round pick. (See profile).
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.