Zach Ertz learned from TE Tony Gonzalez this offseason

After playing just 603 offensive snaps in 2014, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz understood that the only way to get on the field more in 2015 was to prove to coaches he can be a plus blocker. The bar is set very high for Ertz--starting tight end Brent Celek is one of the best blockers at his position. Ertz focused on improving his blocking this offseason, but he didn't lose sight of becoming one of the NFL's best receiving tight ends either. To take a step forward in that aspect of his game, he came up with an interesting idea--meet up with future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez to pick his brain.

Ertz described his plan to reach out to Gonzalez in a blog post he wrote for his personal website ZachErtz86.com.

Gonzalez is one of the best receiving tight ends in NFL history, but he didn't become that player from talent alone. He had one of the most dedicated work ethics in the NFL, and that was a big part of what he shared with Ertz.

Ertz finished the 2014 season with positive grades as a run blocker, but he struggled in pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite seeing just 26 pass block snaps, Ertz allowed three quarterback pressures. As a receiver, Ertz set career highs in receptions and yards, with 702 receiving yards on 58 catches. Early reports from Eagles' practices claim that Ertz has also developed a nice rapport with projected starting quarterback Sam Bradford. 2015 could be the season where Ertz puts it all together and finally emerges as one of the NFL's best tight ends.

(h/t ZachErtz86 Blog)

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports