2013 NFL Draft: TE Ertz leaving Stanford for NFL
Stanford junior tight end
Ertz is ranked as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 2 tight end and is projected as a first- or second-round selection. He will likely compete with Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert to be the first prospect drafted at his position. Both Eifert and Ertz appear in the most recent mock draft.
“In light of achieving our collective dream of winning the Rose Bowl Game, it is difficult to imagine not playing side-by-side with my Stanford brothers for another season,” Ertz said in a statement. “However, after returning home and talking to my family, coaches and advisors and conducting a thorough analysis of the situation, I have decided to forego my final season of eligibility at Stanford University.”
A Mackey Award finalist, Ertz led Stanford with 69 catches for 898 yards and six touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pac 12 honors. He tied with Washington's Austin Seferian-Jenkins for the conference lead in catches by a tight end. Ertz is a fluid receiver with the coordination and focus to make tough, contested catches look easy. While similar to former Stanford tight end Coby Fleener, who was drafted by the Colts in the second round last year, Ertz grades as a better blocker and more versatile overall player.
