Tyree Jackson makes impact at TE, can he challenge for roster spot?

Tyree Jackson is a potential matchup nightmare. Can he make the 2021 Eagles roster? 

The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off the preseason in a loss versus the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday with seven tight ends on their roster, but the one who made the biggest name in the first game was converted quarterback Tyree Jackson.

The former XFL quarterback switched positions to tight end when he signed a contract with the Eagles, and it has paid off. Jackson had three receptions for 32 yards and he has turned heads for weeks in training camp, but his catch radius was on full display Thursday night.

Jackson’s closest comparison at TE is Washington’s Logan Thomas, who was also a QB – TE convert. Their measurables are very close and Thomas is coming off of a productive 72 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns in the 2020 season.

The Eagles under Doug Pederson abundantly ran two-tight end sets, and if that continues, look for them to keep three tight ends or more on the roster. They have Pro Bowler Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert as roster locks to be the team’s top two tight ends, but the competition behind those two is wide open. After last night, however, it’s safe to say that Jackson is leading the chase.

Richard Rodgers played well in relief of injuries in 2020, but his potential is low due to below average athleticism and age. Caleb Wilson played a total of 57 snaps with just nine of them being on offense, and Jason Croom and undrafted rookie Jack Stoll are still gaining experience.

Jackson, with his measurables, 6’7 and 249 pounds, is a 23-year old potential matchup nightmare that the Eagles can not only continue to groom to possibly start in the future but also rely on in 2021 to be a possession receiver and red-zone threat in spurts.

Tyree Jackson already is making waves in training camp and could lock his spot up for the 2021 roster with a couple more performances like that.