Player Profile: Zach Ertz

Zach Ertz

Height:  6'5
Weight:  249
School:  Stanford
Position:  Tight End
Ranking:  #2 Tight End
Projection:  2nd Round

Strengths
-Ideal Height (6'5) and weight (249) for the position.
-Frame allows him to add weight and not lose a step
-Does a good job stretching the field in the passing game
-Good quickness that allows him get separation and to get off the line
-Good route runner who uses head fakes to keep defenders guessing
-Makes catching the ball look easy.
-Does an excellent job tracking the ball on deep routes
-Knows how to use his body to shield defenders
-Has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field
-Shows good strength (24 reps)
-Big Game player.  Shines when the focus is on (two game winning TD catches)
-Can be flexed out to the slot and have success
-Great ball security.  Only one fumble in career

Weaknesses
-Short arms could make blocking difficult
-Doesn't have that elite speed
-Balance needs to improve in blocking
-Has focus drops on occasion
-Needs to become a better blocker

Summary
With the tight end becoming an important part of NFL offenses teams are going to fall in love with Zach Ertz and what he can bring to the offense.  Ertz is a great route runner who uses his quickness and head fakes to create separation.  He has good size and knows how to use it to "box out" defenders especially in the red zone.  Ertz also excels stretching the field and despite not having great speed he is excellent tracking the ball down field and can create big plays down field.  Teams will also love his flexibility being able to play inline, in the slot, or out of the backfield.  That will allow him to stay on the field and the offense to give different formations to confuse defenses.  The surprising thing about Ertz was the fact that he isn't as good of a blocker as most people think.  With Stanford being a power running team, Ertz actually struggled to be an effective blocker and was used more split out.  However with some added weight and technique he could become an effective blocker.  Look for Ertz to go somewhere in the early to mid second round.  Cleveland is a team to watch.  With a former TE coach as their new head coach they'll look to improve the position that is pretty bare right now.