Washington Commanders

Redskins surprisingly list Paul ahead of Reed at TE on depth chart

Published Aug. 10, 2015 9:29 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Washington Redskins released their first official depth chart on Sunday, and there were a few surprises. Chiefly among those surprise was tight end Niles Paul listed on top of the depth chart above Jordan Reed.

Reed has made headlines in training camp after returning 100 percent healthy from a knee procedure that held him out of spring practices. Paul has also drawn positive praise this offseason, however, after adding 10 pounds of muscle without losing any of his trademark speed.

Paul was on pace for 84 receptions and 1,252 receiving yards before a concussion knocked him out of a regular-season game in Week 4. He has the speed to get vertical down the seam, but he can also win in the intermediate areas of the field. He is a mismatch for safeties and linebackers alike based on his speed and leaping ability.

It's still early, and the first depth chart reveal should be taken with a grain of salt. There is a lot more room for things to change during training camp and the preseason, leading up to the regular season. But for now, it seems like the Redskins have bigger plans for Paul in 2015 than most originally expected.

(h/t Scout)