Washington Redskins Training Camp Profile 2017: TE Jordan Reed

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ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Jordan Reed (86) of the Washington Redskins celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 24, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Jordan Reed’s skill set

Since coming into the league, Reed has become a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He has the size to be a jump ball threat, the athleticism to generate yards after the catch, and the acceleration and speed to be a deep threat in certain situations. He really is a monster, and has helped to make the Redskins passing offense so potent.

The place where Reed has proven to be most effective for the Redskins has been over the middle of the field. He and Jamison Crowder were the main men over the middle last season, and the two worked well to find space alongside one another. Reed just has a knack for getting open and once he is in space, his elusive athletic ability allows him to create more yardage after the catch.

Of course, it also helps Reed’s cause that he has a 6-foot-3 frame. This allows him to outjump defenders, particularly smaller linebackers and defensive backs, and grab balls that other receivers may not be able to get to.

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Though Reed has great size, it hasn’t necessarily turned into solid red zone performance. He has proven to be a touchdown threat before, he had 11 touchdowns in 2015, but in 2016, he was more likely to catch a longer touchdown pass than to win an end zone jump ball. Given the fact that the Redskins red zone offense was an issue last year, it’s fair to assume that the blame for this doesn’t fall squarely on Reed.

The major issue with Reed is his lack of durability. Over the course of his four NFL seasons, he has played in 46 of a possible 64 games. Making matters worse, Reed has never been healthy for a full 16 game slate, so he cannot be relied on. This makes the backup tight end position so important, and that is why the team re-signed Vernon Davis this offseason.

Unfortunately, it appears to be the same old story with Reed in 2017. He is currently on the PUP list with a toe injury and there is no timetable for his return. Until he can prove that he can stay healthy, this will be the major knock on Reed across league circles.

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