Getting In Where They Fit In

PHILADELPHIA – Arming themselves with optionality, and potentially bracing for a future without Dallas Goedert, the Eagles inked a pair of veteran tight ends to bolster the room.

Harrison Bryant and Kylen Granson share a similar backstory. Once fourth-round picks, each has enjoyed spurts of production over the years despite never experiencing the awaited breakthrough.

In Philadelphia, they join a tight end room that includes Goedert and incumbent reserve Grant Calcaterra.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles TE Dallas Goedert is the leader of a deep, experienced position group.

But Bryant and Granson present intriguing, albeit differing, skill sets to a position group that rivals the deepest the Eagles have had in years. They could be battling against one other for a coveted roster spot. They could also be in contention for a slot that might or might not even exist by the time the regular season is ushered in.

Bryant, who has appeared in 77 games (33 starts) with the Browns and Raiders, profiles more as a the rangy, fluid-moving, receiving option. While that, to this point, has checked out at various points over the first five practices, Bryant spoke of an all-encompassing skill set that could set him apart.

“I think I’m a complete player,” he said. “I think I can block, I think I can run routes. That’s something I pride myself on, is just being complete. Whatever I’m asked to do, I can do that. That’s what I’m trying to improve on, as well.”

The 27-year-old joins a new-look Eagles offense that’s expected to have some flair under newly appointed coordinator Kevin Patullo and is tasked with learning a new offense for the second consecutive season. And for Bryant to separate himself from a talented trio of contenders vying for roster spots, he’ll likely need to showcase a wide range of expertise.

While Bryant and Granson work to learn the intricacies and nuances of Patullo’s offense, hone their craft under tight ends coach Jason Michael, and navigate relatively uncharted territory in the early stages of camp, it’s the contrary for Goedert and Calcaterra, who have logged several seasons with this coaching staff.

Even in the thick of training camp amid a tightly contested roster competition, Bryant alluded to the team’s impeccable culture, as he’s been able to refer to the veteran tandem as resources.

“Obviously, they’re extremely talented players,” he said. “So, I’m just picking their minds, watching what they’re doing on the field. They’ve been in this offense for a long time, so they know all the details really well. So, I’m just trying to pick their brain. They’re extremely great guys, so open to helping anyone in the tight end room and I’m extremely grateful for that.”

For Granson, a veteran of four NFL seasons, he sees similarities from the offenses ran in Indianapolis while also pointing out that he’s previously played under a handful of coaches on the current Eagles staff. By his estimation, he’s picking up the offense “pretty quick.”

The 27-year-old, built more in the mold of an H-back, furnishes the room with versatility and special teams acumen. Granson might not sport the prototypical frame for the position, especially compared to his counterparts, but it’s his deployment uniqueness that carries appeal due to optionality. He’s also proven to be a plus-blocker, which the Eagles don’t have an abundance of at the position.

“I’m a versatile guy,” he said. “I’m adaptable. I’ve done just about every, every position, special teams. Offensively, I’ve been in the backfield, I’ve been split out, hand in the dirt, so there’s nothing I haven’t done. Never not answered the call. So, I’m excited what that role will be here in Philly, and just excited for the opportunity.”

The 6-foot-3, 242-pounder, almost acting as a safety valve, was on the receiving end of a flurry mid-range receptions during the spring and through five practices of camp, supporting the notion of his rapid adaption to new circumstances. He’s also had reps he’d probably like to have back, such as an end zone bobble on Monday that became a dropped touchdown.

But one of the common sentiments shared from this iteration of Eagles that is persistently referenced is the culture and standard established under the leadership of head coach Nick Sirianni. And from a positional perspective, the closeness of the tight end room has been palpable as an outside observer. Not only is culture reflected in the various responses, accountability also coincides.

“I really think it comes down to the guys setting the tone,” he said. “Obviously, the coaches set the standard, but the guys enforce the standard. So, you come in here and its work, work, work. And we’re all about work.

“You could try to take plays off, but then you have to answer to Jordan or Saquon or Jalen. Or someone on the other side, like Zack or whoever it is. It’s gonna get exposed on tape. We never leave meetings without know the expectation coming in the next day.”

Bryant and Granson presumably arrived in Philadelphia foreseeing a tight end room reaping with opportunities for expanded roles. While they have little control of unknown variables, both have been afforded the opportunity to rewrite the narrative and steer their futures.

Circumstances might have changed, but for Bryant, the objective remains the same.

“Every year I’ve been in the league, that’s my goal, is to come in, prove [myself] every day and do whatever I can to make the team,” said Bryant. “And as long as I’ll be in this league, that’ll be my goal every training camp.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.