Washington Redskins Unheralded Players: WR Matt Hazel
By Ian Cummings
Hazel has a lot of competitors fighting him for a roster spot this year. He’ll have to show the Redskins that whatever the his competitors can do, he can do it better.
The first four slots on the depth chart are locked in, barring any unforeseen events. Pryor, Doctson, Crowder, and Quick are the top four Redskins’ receivers in 2017. But after that, things get a little murky.
Maurice Harris, one of three undrafted free agents to make the roster last year, showed potential last year, and his height is something the Redskins value very much. The Redskins have also made clear the confidence they have in Grant. And this year’s sixth-round pick, Robert Davis, was drafted because of his height and ability to make plays. Last year, the Redskins only kept six receivers on the final roster. If this trend continues, this position battle will only become more interesting.
It won’t be easy for Hazel to beat any of these receivers. He’s comparable in height to Grant, and due to Grant’s poor play last year, Hazel is most likely to beat him out. But after Grant, Hazel will have to show that his attention to detail is more valuable than a couple inches. Harris and Davis, both standing at 6-foot-3, use their length as a weapon. Hazel will have to show the Redskins that his game is better.
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It won’t be easy. But Hazel has a shot to crack to top six if he hones in on the little details. At 25 years old, he’s still in his prime as a receiver, and he has plenty of time to grow. He could very well find an extended home in Washington, but it’ll take a lot of hard work, and even more attention to detail. If Hazel impresses, he could be the next unheralded player to prove he has what it takes.