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Training camp battles aren't always about talent. Sometimes they're about math. The Philadelphia Eagles may be approaching one of those situations at tight end. For years, the position felt simple. Dallas Goedert was the unquestioned starter. Grant Calcaterra occupied a valuable reserve role. Everyone else was competing for developmental opportunities.
That equation has changed. Philadelphia spent a premium draft pick on Eli Stowers, a player many believe could eventually become the franchise's next starting tight end. The Eagles also added veteran Johnny Mundt, a player whose reputation as a blocker could make him particularly appealing in certain offensive packages.
Suddenly, a position that once felt straightforward has become crowded. One reason this conversation matters is Philadelphia's history at the position.
The Eagles have consistently identified and developed quality tight ends. Chad Lewis, L.J. Smith, Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, and Dallas Goedert all enjoyed successful runs in Philadelphia. The organization clearly believes Stowers can become the next name on that list. If that evaluation proves accurate, Stowers isn't arriving merely to learn. He's arriving to play. That reality immediately affects everyone behind Goedert on the depth chart.
Johnny Mundt's fit seems obvious. It also creates another layer of intrigue. Unlike Stowers, whose appeal largely centers on receiving upside, Mundt brings a reputation as a blocker. That skill set could prove valuable in Sean Mannion's offense, particularly if the Eagles intend to emphasize physical football and heavier personnel groupings.
Suppose Philadelphia views Mundt as its primary blocking tight end; that creates a difficult question. Where exactly does Calcaterra fit? The answer becomes even more complicated if the Eagles only keep three tight ends.
Goedert and Stowers are locks to make the roster. No one is going to deny that. If the Eagles keep only three tight ends, Calcaterra and Mundt may find themselves competing for a single spot. If Philadelphia keeps four, the conversation becomes much easier. The problem is that roster construction rarely happens in a vacuum. Keeping four tight ends means sacrificing depth somewhere else. The Eagles have legitimate questions at cornerback, safety, offensive line, and several other positions. Every roster spot carries value. That's what makes Calcaterra's situation worth monitoring. Summer questions eventually become training camp battles. If asked today, most would probably place Calcaterra ahead of players such as E.J. Jenkins, Stone Smartt, Cameron Latu, and Daequan Wright.
The bigger questions involve Stowers and Mundt.
Is Mundt truly ahead of Calcaterra on the depth chart? Does Mannion envision enough two-tight-end packages to justify keeping four players at the position? How aggressively do the Eagles want to accelerate Stowers' development? Those questions won't be answered until training camp. That said, for now, Calcaterra remains one of the more fascinating roster bubble candidates on the team.
He has enough talent to play in the NFL. The challenge is determining whether there will be enough room for him in Philadelphia. That's the kind of problem contenders often face. Unfortunately for Calcaterra, those problems can still cost someone a job.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Where does Grant Calcaterra fit on the Eagles' roster?
Continue reading...
That equation has changed. Philadelphia spent a premium draft pick on Eli Stowers, a player many believe could eventually become the franchise's next starting tight end. The Eagles also added veteran Johnny Mundt, a player whose reputation as a blocker could make him particularly appealing in certain offensive packages.
Suddenly, a position that once felt straightforward has become crowded. One reason this conversation matters is Philadelphia's history at the position.
Where does Grant Calcaterra fit on the Eagles' roster now?
The Eagles have consistently identified and developed quality tight ends. Chad Lewis, L.J. Smith, Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, and Dallas Goedert all enjoyed successful runs in Philadelphia. The organization clearly believes Stowers can become the next name on that list. If that evaluation proves accurate, Stowers isn't arriving merely to learn. He's arriving to play. That reality immediately affects everyone behind Goedert on the depth chart.
Johnny Mundt's fit seems obvious. It also creates another layer of intrigue. Unlike Stowers, whose appeal largely centers on receiving upside, Mundt brings a reputation as a blocker. That skill set could prove valuable in Sean Mannion's offense, particularly if the Eagles intend to emphasize physical football and heavier personnel groupings.
Suppose Philadelphia views Mundt as its primary blocking tight end; that creates a difficult question. Where exactly does Calcaterra fit? The answer becomes even more complicated if the Eagles only keep three tight ends.
The Eagles' roster math may prove to be tricky.
Goedert and Stowers are locks to make the roster. No one is going to deny that. If the Eagles keep only three tight ends, Calcaterra and Mundt may find themselves competing for a single spot. If Philadelphia keeps four, the conversation becomes much easier. The problem is that roster construction rarely happens in a vacuum. Keeping four tight ends means sacrificing depth somewhere else. The Eagles have legitimate questions at cornerback, safety, offensive line, and several other positions. Every roster spot carries value. That's what makes Calcaterra's situation worth monitoring. Summer questions eventually become training camp battles. If asked today, most would probably place Calcaterra ahead of players such as E.J. Jenkins, Stone Smartt, Cameron Latu, and Daequan Wright.
The bigger questions involve Stowers and Mundt.
Is Mundt truly ahead of Calcaterra on the depth chart? Does Mannion envision enough two-tight-end packages to justify keeping four players at the position? How aggressively do the Eagles want to accelerate Stowers' development? Those questions won't be answered until training camp. That said, for now, Calcaterra remains one of the more fascinating roster bubble candidates on the team.
He has enough talent to play in the NFL. The challenge is determining whether there will be enough room for him in Philadelphia. That's the kind of problem contenders often face. Unfortunately for Calcaterra, those problems can still cost someone a job.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Where does Grant Calcaterra fit on the Eagles' roster?
Continue reading...
