After taking a look at quarterback and running back, we move on to the tight end position in our Offseason Preview series.
2011 Season In Review
In 2009, Brent Celek lead the Eagles with 76 receptions, accumulating 971 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. The young tight end appeared on his way to the Pro Bowl. But in 2010, Celek's production as a receiver took a small step back, as he was asked to contribute more as a blocker and racked up only 42 catches for 511 yards. Celek's 2011 season looked like it might be going along those same lines through the first eight games of the year, when he had 27 catches for 269 yards. But in the second half of the year, Celek re-emerged as an explosive pass-catching threat for the offense, doubling his first-half production with 542 yards on 35 catches down the stretch. On the year, Celek finished with 62 catches (one behind Jeremy Maclin for the team lead) for 811 yards and five touchdowns. It's safe to say that Celek the receiver is back.
Celek's second-half explosion was all the more impressive when it was revealed following the season that he had been playing through a torn labrum and a sports hernia. Celek underwent a pair of surgeries to correct both injuries and will be fine for the start of the 2012 season, but his blue-collar attitude and his ability to play through pain leaves little question as to why he's become such a fan favorite.
It's a testament to the league-wide emergence of the tight end as a threat in the passing game that Celek's 62 catches ranked 40th in the league in receptions, but only 10th among tight ends. But Celek did rank atop the league in one category, and it won't surprise those who watched him all season. On the year, Celek averaged 8.1 yards-after-catch, tops in the NFL. Celek, who turns 27 and is one of the most respected players in the locker room, is a cornerstone player for the Eagles offense moving forward.
Behind Celek, second-year tight end Clay Harbor took a step forward as well. Harbor notched nine catches for 72 yards as a rookie and improved to the tune of 13 catches for 163 in 2011. That won't look like a big step forward as a receiver, but Harbor's improvement lies in how trusted he was by the coaches. The Eagles employed more two-tight-end sets in 2011 and Harbor was often utilized as a blocker. According to ProFootballFocus.com, Harbor's total snap count doubled from 2010 to 2011, rising from 181 to 368. Harbor is a player for whom the Eagles have high hopes moving forward.
The only other tight end on the roster is Brett Brackett, a Penn State product who played wide receiver collegiately and spent the second half of the season on the practice squad. Though the Eagles are generally content with two tight ends on the active roster under Andy Reid, the 6-foot-5, 246-pound Brackett will have a chance to fight for a roster spot come training camp.
Impressive Stat:
After only three seasons as a starter for the Eagles, Celek has a strong case to make as the second greatest tight end in franchise history. He needs 45 receiving yards, five touchdowns and 34 receptions to stand alone in second place in each category on the franchise list. Of course, number one on each list is five-time Pro Bowler Pete Retzlaff.
End Of Season Depth Chart
1. Brent Celek 2. Clay Harbor
To Be Answered:
It's unlikely that Celek or Harbor is going anywhere, as both players are highly regarded by the team. The question then becomes whether the Eagles will look to carry three tight ends in 2012. If so, does Brackett stand a chance, or could the Eagles be eyeing an athletic tight end in the draft to utilize in the passing game?
Does Celek's second-half production foretell a monster 2012 season? Depending on how the wide receiver position changes, if at all, in the offseason, Celek's role could expand ever further.
For Harbor, the question is whether his first full offseason in the system will allow him to have more of an impact as a pass-catcher. As it stands, the Eagles are in solid shape at the tight end position.
