Eagles tight end Zach Ertz caught passes from Indianapolis Colts' franchise quarterback Andrew Luck while the pair played together at Stanford, but he says Sam Bradford actually has a better arm.

In addition to Luck, Ertz also was teammates with Michael Vick and Nick Foles during their time with the Eagles and the third-year tight end is getting the chance to practice with Bradford for the first time this month.

"We've been throwing for the past three weeks and I can honestly say I've thrown with Andrew, Nick and other guys, and I don't think I've thrown with a guy who has a stronger arm than Sam Bradford," Ertz told CSN Philly.

"He hasn't been able to really truly get his full legs underneath him. But the ball still comes out effortlessly, and it's a lot of fun to run routes with him."

Bradford's health (he's coming off back-to-back torn ACLs) will play a significant factor in just how successful the Eagles' offense will be in head coach Chip Kelly's third season and first after dealing away Foles in exchange for the former top overall draft pick.

Likewise, Ertz' continued development could make or break the output of a young wide receiving corps that includes rookie Nelson Agholor and second-year pass catchers Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff.

In his career, Ertz has hauled in 94 catches for 1,171 yards and seven touchdowns through his first two seasons.

He says that he has even higher aspirations for the 2015 season after two years in Chip Kelly's high-octane offense.

"I think my knowledge of blocking has grown throughout the offseason, where to put your hands, the aspects of leverage, using hips each and every play," he said.

"From that aspect I think I've grown a lot. Obviously it's not going to be able to show on the field until I'm against other guys on defense in the offseason, at the end of training camp and into the season. But I think my knowledge of blocking as a whole I think has definitely improved."

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Philadelphia Sports on Facebook