Philadelphia Eagles: Tyree Jackson an intriguing camp experiment

The Philadelphia Eagles are giving former Buffalo QB Tyree Jackson a shot at tight end, and he is a fascinating option for them as an offensive weapon.

The Philadelphia Eagles certainly have a situation on their hands at tight end with Zach Ertz and the potential of a trade looming, but they also might have a diamond in the rough. Former Buffalo quarterback prospect Tyree Jackson has made the transition to the tight end position, and he’s having a strong start to Eagles training camp in 2021.

Back in 2014, the Philadelphia Eagles brought in Trey Burton, who converted to a versatile offensive weapon in college at Florida but also started his college career off as a quarterback.

Burton certainly carved out a nice role for himself in the Eagles’ offense and undoubtedly etched his place in Eagles history with the Philly Special.

Not that every converted quarterback to tight end is going to become a Trey Burton for the Eagles, but we’re seeing more and more players attempt — some successfully — the transition from quarterback to tight end.

Tyree Jackson was undrafted in the 2019 circuit despite having absolutely outstanding measurables. His physical comps are not far off from those of Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, the highest-drafted tight end in league history.

If Jackson can string some consistent days together at Philadelphia Eagles training camp, he would be a very fascinating weapon for them as the 2021 season progresses.

One reason to think Jackson can successfully make this position switch?

Look no further than one of the Philadelphia Eagles’ biggest rivals, the Washington Football Team.

Logan Thomas bounced around from team to team after beginning his NFL career as a fourth-round pick in 2014 at the quarterback position. Thomas and Jackson both ironically spent some time with the Buffalo Bills, who don’t exactly have the most solidified tight end position.

Now, after a big season for Washington in 2020, Thomas signed a lucrative extension and will be a key piece of the team’s future on that side of the ball.

Jackson hopes to follow in those footsteps as well as those of Trey Burton as quarterbacks who took their outstanding athleticism and parlayed that into a successful career at tight end.

Even if Jackson isn’t a traditional “Y”, in-line blocking tight end, he could very well contribute as a receiver and be a red zone threat with his ridiculous size and wingspan.