Eagles will reportedly host potential Trey Burton replacement on pre-draft visit

Miami Hurricanes tight end Chris Herndon is one of 30 2018 NFL Draft prospects who will meet with the Eagles in Philadelphia for an official pre-draft visit, according to the great Josh Norris.

Norris also notes the Eagles are putting Herndon through a workout today. And if that’s not enough to convince you they’re interested in him, Philadelphia spoke with Herndon at the NFL Combine.

The 22-year-old Herndon measures in at 6-3, 253 pounds. In three years at The U, he combined for 86 receptions, 1,048 yards, and seven touchdowns.

While Herndon doesn’t boast the strong college production that the Eagles seemingly value, he does project to be a fit for them as a potential Trey Burton replacement. The Eagles could mainly ask him to play special teams and contribute sparingly on offense as a role-player.

Tight end depth is obviously one of the biggest needs on the Eagles’ roster as it stands. Zach Ertz is the only player to return from the 2017 53-man roster. The Eagles could look to sign a veteran in free agency along to pair with a rookie from the 2018 NFL Draft. Philly has shown interest in a number of tight end prospects throughout this year’s draft process.

Scouting report via NFL.com:

Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5

Sources Tell Us: “He’s a good athlete and has ability to make big plays which is what I care about. He’s not a soft blocker either. He’s just really raw with everything. I’m okay with that. You take those guys later and you let your coaches develop them. It’s all coachable for him.” -- AFC team executive

NFL Comparison: Ricky Seals-Jones

Bottom Line: Herndon’s athletic ability will flash on tape, but his college production was pedestrian and he’s still very raw. He has TE2 potential if he can improve his upper body strength and hand placement as a blocker. While Miami used him as a “run after the catch” option, NFL teams may lock in on his ability to threaten defenses on the second and third levels. Herndon has exciting athletic ability, but there is still plenty of room for improvement before he becomes a factor in the NFL.

Spider graph via Mockdraftable:

Highlights video:

Complete list of known Philadelphia Eagles draft visits

Miami TE Chris Herndon

South Carolina State LB Darius Leonard - [Click here]

San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny - [Click here]

Western Michigan OT Chukwuma Okorafor - [Click here]

Northern Iowa WR Daurice Fountain - [Click here]

Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch - [Click here]

Stanford S Justin Reid - [Click here]

LSU RB Derrius Guice - [Click here]

LSU CB Donte Jackson - [Click here]