National Football League

Midseason Grades For The Washington Redskins Tight Ends

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:39 p.m. ET

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Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) dives into the end zone on a 23-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals during game 17 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. The Redskins and Bengals tied 27-27. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The tight end position has become increasingly important in the NFL. The Washington Redskins have a pretty good group of them.

The Washington Redskins had a strong group of receivers coming into the season. The perceived talent level across the unit helped to mask the fact that the team also had a great group of tight ends. Many considered Jordan Reed to be the best of the bunch, but the backups have proven to be strong this year.

The tight ends have really been difference maker in all facets of the game for the Skins. The team has to be happy with the effort put forth by their players. They only kept three to start the season, and that has proven to be the right choice.

With all of that in mind, let’s have a look at the midseason tight end grades for the Redskins.

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins tight end Niles Paul (84) stretches for a pass during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

Niles Paul

It was no surprise that Niles Paul was named a captain prior to the 2016 season. The former Nebraska Cornhusker has developed into one of the more solid all-around tight ends since he converted positions years ago. Paul is a great blocker, can catch passes, and he is a strong special teams player as well. There is nothing he cannot do.

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In 2016, Paul has not seen as much offense as he has seen in the past. He is firmly entrenched as the third option on the depth chart, but he has still had an impact. He only has two catches, but his blocking has been strong. That is what the team relies on him for.

On special teams, Paul has been fantastic. He thrived on special teams early in his career, and that has not changed as he has aged. Paul has been a great blocker on returns and punts, and he has also shown an ability to make tackles. Frankly, he is underrated because his abilities are not fully quantifiable by stats.

Also, Paul is a leader off the field. The captain is loved by his teammates, and he will continue to be throughout his Redskins career. Paul deserves a solid grade for his solid blocking and his great intangibles.

Paul’s Midseason Grade: B

Next: Vernon Davis

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis (85) carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during game 17 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Vernon Davis

When the Redskins signed Vernon Davis in free agency, it was widely assumed that he would have a minimal impact. After all, he struggled in his time with the Broncos and the 49ers so there was little hope that the 32 year old would end up rebounding.

However, he has. Davis has had a mini-renaissance. He has looked athletic once again and has been able to use his speed to his advantage. He is a good complement to Jordan Reed and has been able to find space to work with all around the field. Davis also was able to fill in very well when Reed was out, and he really demonstrated that he still has something left in the tank.

At this stage in his career, Davis in nothing more than a No. 2 tight end. That said, he has been a big time asset for the Redskins. The team has needed him and he has come up big. Davis deserves a good grade, and while it is safe to wonder if he will be effective in the future years, he has done what the team asked of him thus far.

Davis’ Midseason Grade: B+

Next: Jordan Reed

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) carries on a 23 yard touchdown run during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Reed

The two headed monster that is the Redskins tight end duo is undoubtedly led by Jordan Reed. The fourth year pro out of Florida had a big time breakout season in 2015, and the start to his 2016 season has been great as well. In six games, Reed has put up some great numbers. He has caught 42 passes for 415 yards and three touchdowns to date. He has been a big time weapon over the middle of the field, and he is definitely one of the top tight ends in the league.

The only issue with Reed this season has been injuries. Reed missed two games stemming from a concussion that he suffered following a Week 5 win against the Ravens. The concussion was officially the fifth of his career, and that does not bode well for his long term future.

That said, Reed has since returned to the field and he put together one of his best performances against the Bengals. He caught nine passes for 99 yards and was terrific. His athleticism was on full display and he was able to exploit mismatches against the linebacker group.

Overall, it has been a great season for Reed. He has been nearly perfect, and he should continue to find success. The only concern moving forward is his health. If he can avoid another concussion, then he should be in for a solid second half.

Reed’s Midseason Grade: A-

Next: Overall Positional Grade

Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis (85) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Overall Tight End Grades

The tight ends may be the best positional group on the Redskins team. They are a small but mighty group that all accomplish the tasks that they are given. The team has arguably the second best tight end in the league in Reed, and their backups are strong as well.

Because of all this, it is only fair to grade the group as the strongest on the Redskins team. The front office deserves a pat on the back for the players they have added at this position.

Overall Grade: A

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