The Philadelphia Eagles have a knack for finding tight end gems, and the cycle of talent at this position feels like a never-ending loop of excellence. From Zach Ertz to Dallas Goedert, and now potentially to Ohio State’s Max Klare, the Eagles seem poised to keep their tight end tradition alive with a new star in the making. As Pro Football Network projects the Eagles to snag Klare in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Philadelphia fans are buzzing about a player who could not only replace Goedert but also echo the brilliance of Ertz—potentially surpassing an $81 million Pro Bowler.
A Legacy of Tight End Greatness
In 2013, the Eagles drafted Zach Ertz, a Stanford standout who became a cornerstone of their offense. Fast forward to 2018, and Dallas Goedert arrived as the heir apparent, bringing his own brand of physicality and flair. Now, with Goedert’s future in Philly uncertain, the Eagles are reportedly eyeing Max Klare, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound dynamo who transferred from Purdue to Ohio State. According to Pro Football Network, Klare’s skill set draws comparisons to none other than Ertz himself, hinting at a future where he could dominate the NFL just as his predecessors did.
Klare’s journey to the draft spotlight is a tale of resilience and raw talent. Despite enduring a brutal 1-11 season at Purdue in 2024—one of the program’s worst since World War II—Klare emerged as a bright spot. He hauled in 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns, earning All-Big Ten honors. His standout performance came in a thrilling 50-49 overtime loss to No. 23 Illinois, where he racked up six catches for 133 yards. Even in a 45-0 rout by Ohio State, where he managed just two receptions for 13 yards, Klare’s potential was undeniable. Now, as an Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big Ten pick with the Buckeyes, he’s ready to shine on a national stage.
Why Klare Fits the Eagles’ Mold
At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Klare may be slightly smaller than Ertz and Goedert, but his game is anything but small. NFL Draft Buzz describes him as a “dynamic pass-catcher” who made waves at Purdue before elevating his draft stock at Ohio State. ESPN draft experts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller rank him among the top five tight end prospects for 2026, praising his ability to stretch defenses and create mismatches. Klare’s transfer to Ohio State, a championship contender, gives him the platform to showcase his skills in high-stakes games, potentially cementing his status as a first-round talent.
What makes Klare such an intriguing fit for Philadelphia? His versatility and reliability mirror the traits that made Ertz and Goedert indispensable. Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler, was a key piece of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory in 2017, hauling in seven catches for 67 yards and a touchdown in their 41-33 upset over the New England Patriots. Goedert, meanwhile, has been a vital part of the Eagles’ recent success, contributing to their 2022 Super Bowl run. Both players share a legacy of clutch performances and championship pedigree—qualities Klare seems destined to inherit.
From Purdue’s Struggles to Ohio State’s Spotlight
Klare’s path hasn’t been easy. At Purdue, he played through a season of turmoil, with head coach Ryan Walters fired after a 5-19 record over two years. Yet, Klare’s production never wavered, proving his ability to perform under pressure. Now at Ohio State, he’s surrounded by elite talent, giving him the chance to refine his game and boost his draft stock. Pro Football Network notes that Klare’s move to the Buckeyes could be the key to unlocking his full potential, positioning him as the perfect replacement for Goedert in Philadelphia’s high-octane offense.
Ertz’s Shadow Looms Large
Zach Ertz, now starring for the Washington Commanders, left an indelible mark on the Eagles. With career earnings approaching $81 million after his 2025 season, Ertz’s legacy includes 74 receptions for 845 yards and eight touchdowns in 2017 alone. At 35, he remains a force, but the Eagles are looking to the future. Klare, with his Ertz-like ability to find soft spots in defenses and make contested catches, could be the next in line to carry the torch.
A New Chapter in Philly?
As the Eagles plan for 2026, Max Klare represents more than just a draft pick—he’s a potential game-changer. His size, hands, and football IQ make him a natural fit for an offense that thrives on versatile tight ends. If Pro Football Network’s mock draft is correct, Klare could be the steal of the first round, ready to carve out his own legacy while building on the foundation laid by Ertz and Goedert.
Somewhere out there, a seventh-grade football phenom is dreaming of NFL glory, unaware that they might one day follow in Klare’s footsteps. For now, though, Eagles fans can dream of Klare—a Big Ten beast ready to soar in the City of Brotherly Love.