Sitdown With Philadelphia Eagles' TE Brent Celek

Of the eight players the Eagles drafted in 2007, only Stewart Bradley and Brent Celek have emerged as starting caliber players (Abiamiri was expected to compete for the starting right defensive end spot but injuries hampered much of his 2008 campaign).

Bradley became the starting MIKE linebacker in only his second season and rose the challenge by recording 151 tackles (151 were credited by the Eagles, the league credited Bradley with 108). Bradley also served as the primary play caller for the Eagles defense that ranked third in the league in 2008.

So far Bradley has been the lone bright spot of an otherwise mediocre 2007 draft class but that could change in 2009 as Brent Celek becomes the starting tight end for the Eagles.

Despite playing behind franchise tagged player L.J. Smith in 2008, Celek was still able to set career highs in catches (27) and yards (318).

Celek took advantage of the opportunities he was given throughout the 2008 season as he posted a career day against the Seattle Seahawks gaining 131 yards on six catches.

Even more impressive was Celek’s postseason performance as he gained 151 yards for 19 catches and two touchdowns.

In the biggest game of his career Celek responded by catching 10 passes for 83 yards and two scores in a losing effort against the eventual NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals.

Now four months later Celek has been given the starting tight end job and the opportunity to earn respect in a division that features superstar tight ends like the Dallas Cowboys’ Jason Witten and the Washington Redskins’ Chris Cooley.

If given the opportunity here are a few questions I would ask Brent about his opportunity to shine this season and his personal life

1. You emerged as a very reliable target in the Eagles postseason run in 2008, especially in the NFC Championship game. What do you think allowed you to take your game to another level during that playoff run?

2. Blocking is something every tight end in this system has come under fire for at some point, you included. Do you think the offseason additions of Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews will make your blocking responsibilities easier in the 2009 season?

3. You are very aggressive after the catch. How do you translate that same aggressiveness into run blocking when you are not kicking out of the formation into a pass route?

4. Back in the 2003 draft, the Eagles had the opportunity to take five time pro-bowl tight end Jason Witten. The Eagles took L.J. Smith instead at pick 61 and the Cowboys happily took Witten at pick 69 and the Eagles have repeatedly been burned by Witten in divisional games since. Do you feel any added pressure to excel because of this?

5. What has your experience with rookie Cornelius Ingram been so far? In all likelihood he could end up being the second tight end and an equally dangerous passing game weapon like you. What are some of the ways you will and have helped him progress so far?

6. The Eagles struggles in the red zone in 2008 are widely documented. Now that you are the starter for 2009, how much do you expect to be depended upon to convert those drives into touchdowns rather than field goals?

7. This past season you experienced the rare occurrence of being involved in a tie game in the NFL. Stranger yet, it was against your favorite team growing up, the Cincinnati Bengals. What is it like playing against your hometown team after they do not draft you?

8. Since arriving in Philadelphia you have become very good friends with linebacker Stewart Bradley, he was even the best man at your wedding. How did you and Bradley become so close?

9. You are very active in researching companies in the stock market; Bradley has a degree in finance and is also interested in the stock market. Will Eagles fans one day see a Celek and Bradley investing company?

10.  When not playing football you work with your cousin John to broker deals between companies to import and export a variety of products from China. What was the last product you two were able to broker a deal on? How can you compare that competitiveness of getting that deal done to your competition in the league?