In 2014, an undrafted free agent by the name of Trey Burton latched on to the Philadelphia Eagles. A former quarterback at Florida who could do it all, it didn’t take Burton long to begin turning heads and after forcing his way onto the bottom of the depth chart, he would go on to lead the Eagles in special teams tackles and carve a niche that has now become a key cog in the Eagles offense.
It’s now 2018 and Trey Burton’s contract is up. The Eagles were wise to place a tender on the versatile receiving threat one year ago, but they won’t be afforded that luxury this time around. Reports surrounding his future are already swirling and it’s safe to say that the Eagles have a decision to make. Sure, drafting a first-round talent or seeking out an established free agent would be nice, but what if history were to repeat itself?
Enter Billy Brown out of Shepherd University. An undrafted free agent one year ago who, like Burton, pushed his way onto the Eagles 90-man roster and would spend his rookie season on Philadelphia’s practice squad. Brown possesses the size (6’4 255 LB’s), pure speed, and skillset to be a playmaker for the Birds. Considered a “tweener” by some analysts, Brown was an absolute animal against lesser opponents during his days at Shepherd. To go along with his great build, he has the strong hands and testicular fortitudeto go across the middle and pluck throws out of the air. Using his size well, Brown has at times looked more like a power forward coming down with rebounds as he boxes out defenders.
Brown shares a lot of the same genetic makeup as Burton, who stands at 6’3″, 235 lbs. Both are incredibly versatile and can contribute in all four cores of special teams as well as helping run-block or explode over the middle for some big plays. For Burton, being the fourth tight end on the depth chart was integral to his development…and it’s a path that Brown also seems to be walking down.
“I don’t know if I’d be in the league right now if I didn’t have Celek, Ertz and James Casey in my rookie year.” Burton told us in an exclusive interview with us last year“I can’t really describe what they mean to me on and off the field but I owe so much to those guys. For their work ethics, their attitudes and on top of that how they treated me throughout this whole process. Being a fourth tight end doesn’t happen that often in the league, especially an inactive fourth tight end. The encouragement I’ve received from them, the knowledge, the wisdom, the friendship off the field. You’ve got a guy in Celek who is one of the all time greats in Philly, maybe the best tight end Philly has ever had. The way he’s treated me, I have the upmost respect for that guy and would do anything for him. I’m extremely thankful for him.”
Brent Celek may be set to play that same role yet again. The Eagles could potentially lose Burton to free agency and while Celek’s role has unquestionably diminished since Doug Pederson’s arrival, the legendary tight end will seek to retire as an Eagle before passing the torch. The question is, can Brown do enough to stand out and prove he’s worthy and ready to hold the flame above his head?
He followed his 89 receptions, 1,492 yards and 10 TD’s, in 2015, with 99 catches, 1,580 yards and a ridiculous 22 TD’s, in the 2016 season. These impressive numbered garnered Brown All-MEC, First-Team All-Super Region (Division-2) honors. After arriving in Philadelphia and creating some ripples in the water in Training Camp, Brown flashed his athleticism by caching 8 passes for 51 yards during the preseason. Brown certainly showed he had all the tools to become a successful tradesman, but he wasn’t quite ready to make the jump.
“I think Billy has some play-making ability.” Former offensive coordinator Frank Reich told the media during camp. “He’s got a little speed. He’s got good hands. I think he’s learning the offense, and we’ll see when the pads get on you have to be an effective blocker at some level. I think he has some toughness to him. I think he’s shown me a little bit more toughness at the line of scrimmage than I was expecting, so that is encouraging.”
Brown now enters his second season with the Eagles. One where there is a distinct need at the tight end position. There is a red sky on this night, the sunset of the Eagles Super Bowl winning season. But when the sun rises, it will be Billy Brown looking to make sure that he sends a Shepherd’s warning.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
