Philadelphia Eagles draft

2015 NFL Draft: Eagles host USC tight end Randall Telfer for visit

For more information on which draft prospects are visiting with the Eagles, check out our 2015 NFL Draft Prospect Visits Tracker.

By Brandon Lee Gowton@BrandonGowton Mar 27, 2015, 2:47pm EDT

According to Jacob Klinger of PennLive.com, the latest 2015 NFL Draft prospect to have met with the Eagles for a pre-draft visit is USC tight end Randall Telfer.

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The 22-year-old Telfer measures in at 6-4, 250 pounds. The senior played 48 games over four years at USC. He finished with 65 receptions for 648 yards (10.0 average) and 12 touchdowns. For what it's worth, he's currently projected to be a late round pick or undrafted free agent.

There are some concerns surrounding Telfer. Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net reported that the tight end was "out of shape" and "does not seem serious about the pre-draft process." Telfer did not participate in the NFLPA Bowl due to a foot injury. He attended the 2015 NFL Combine but did not participate in on-field drills. Telfer also missed USC's pro day after having surgery for a lisfranc injury to his left foot. The Eagles likely wanted to bring in Telfer for a visit in order to check up on these medical and motivation concerns.

As you can see from the stats above, Telfer wasn't exactly productive as a receiver. He's more known for his ability as a run blocker. With that in mind, perhaps the Eagles see Telfer as a future replacement for Brent Celek's role. Note that Celek is 30 and is scheduled to enter the last year of his contract in 2016.

Telfer's scouting report certainly sounds similar to what Chip Kelly values in Celek. Via NFL media's Lance Zierlein:

"Strengths: Aggressive and determined run blocker who says he learned his aggressiveness from former Trojan tight end Rhett Ellison. Uses outstanding hand placement to strike and sustain in run game. Able to base block or work in zone scheme. Plays with football intelligence. Shows willingness to do whatever it takes to get his guy blocked. Willing to play and practice through pain. Gets all the meat off the bone in catch-and-run situations, looking to put his shoulder down and finish rather than juke.

Weaknesses: Limited in passing game. Shows some stiffness in his routes, causing him to take very rounded turns rather than sharp cuts. Will drift and wait on a throw rather than working back to the ball. Appeared to lose focus as pass-catcher late in 2014 season. Much of his production came against zone coverage or out of playaction. Has dealt with leg injuries that have slowed him during his career. Feet narrow as run blocker, causing him to lose his base at times when engaged.

Bottom Line: Dedicated run blocker who is willing to scrap it out with the man across from him on each snap. Telfer has average size for an NFL tight end and is unlikely to dazzle teams as a pass-catcher, but his willingness and effectiveness as a run blocker could have teams looking at him as their run-blocking tight end for "12 personnel" packages."

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