Nick Foles compares Zach Ertz to Rob Gronkowski

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The Patriots beat the Eagles last Friday, as we already know. That makes me happy. Very happy.

Anyway, in the aftermath of the game last weekend, Eagles quarterback Nick Foles compared his second-year tight end Zach Ertz to Rob Gronkowski. Foles sees Ertz as a carbon copy of Gronkowski.

Nick Foles played with Gronk at Arizona. Foles said Ertz is similar in ability to stretch defense, make tough catches, thrive on athleticism
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) August 16, 2014

While Gronkowski has obviously been around a bit longer and has proven himself when healthy, Ertz is a good young player who became more of a threat in Chip Kelly's offense as the 2013-14 season progressed. He finished with 36 catches for 469 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie campaign. Those numbers might not raise too many eyebrows, but many in Philadelphia believe Ertz will be more of a factor this year.

Ertz, like Gronk, is a big dude. He checks in at 6'5 and weighs roughly 250 lbs. A reliable pass-catcher, Ertz has the ability to run over people but isn't all that evasive, also much like Gronk.

According to Zack Kelberman of Helmet 2 Helmet, Ertz even had a better 40 time at the NFL combine and had a better vertical leap at his pro day than Gronkowski did. That being said, Gronk is an inch taller and slightly heavier than Ertz.

However, echoing Kelberman, I wouldn't be shocked if Ertz becomes the type of player Gronk is. Kelly emphasizes tight ends in his offense, much like the Patriots did when Gronk and Aaron Hernandez were both there.

What do you think of Foles comparing Ertz to Gronk? Is it too soon? Follow me on Twitter - @JesseGaunce

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