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Don’t count out Derek Carrier in the Redskins’ TE roster race

By Ian Cummings

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Derek Carrier (89) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Derek Carrier (89) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Redskins are loaded at the tight end position.

After resigning stout second-in-command Vernon Davis, the team drafted burly bruiser Jeremy Sprinkle in the fifth round of the draft. With Niles Paul also in the mix, along with UFA Manasseh Garner, Derek Carrier has gotten little attention as of late. Here’s a subtle reminder that he shouldn’t be counted out just yet.

Carrier joined the Redskins via trade from the 49ers just before the 2015 season. He played in spot duty that year, nabbing a lone touchdown, but he hasn’t had a stable time period to acclimate himself until now. He was robbed of that in 2016 when he tore his ACL.

But now, the tight end is close to fully healthy, and he’s looked just as good as all the other tight ends out on the field. Carrier himself has considerable confidence in what he can do. Here’s what he had to say in April, courtesy of Jake Kring-Schreifels on the team’s official website.

"I do a good job at being versatile in both the pass and run game and pass protection,” said Carrier, who entered the league as a wide receiver. “I pride myself in being a complete player and since I have made that conversion to tight end I have improved every year. You never stop learning or getting better but I feel I have come a long ways and it’s fun to be able to continually improve."

Also per the team’s website, Jay Gruden said during a press conference that Derek Carrier has been “outstanding” thus far. And at only 26 years old, Carrier has plenty of time to improve even more, and his 6-foot-4, 236 build allows him to take the role of a versatile receiving threat.

Next: Redskins 2017 X-Factors: DE Jonathan Allen

Carrier is no lock to make the roster. He has quite a climb ahead of him if he wants to distinguish himself from the rest of the pack. But here’s a reminder that he has the tools to accomplish that feat. Time will tell if he can apply his potential. But one thing is certain. It would be unwise to count out Derek Carrier just yet.

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