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Redskins: Vernon Davis should be the top tight end over Jordan Reed

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the Washington Redskins catches a touchdown pass in front of cornerback Sean Smith #21 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the Washington Redskins catches a touchdown pass in front of cornerback Sean Smith #21 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after catching a second half touchdown pass in front of cornerback Sean Smith #21 of the Oakland Raiders at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after catching a second half touchdown pass in front of cornerback Sean Smith #21 of the Oakland Raiders at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The case for Davis

The fact of the matter is that Davis has earned the playing time over Reed. In the course of his one-and-half seasons with Washington, Davis has played in all 25 games and has started 23 of those contests. While he was functioning as the second tight end, he put up strong numbers whenever called upon and proved to be a consistent threat for the team.

For instance, look at the Redskins last two contests, against the Seahawks in Week 9 and the Vikings in Week 10. In that span, with Reed out, Davis has seen 20 targets and caught 13 of them for 148 yards. In both of the games, he was able to expertly work the middle of the field and find open space. He caught critical first down and first down and provided Kirk Cousins with a terrific security blanket. This was especially important in Week 9, given that Jamison Crowder was out.

Additionally, Davis has explosive athletic ability that has been on display as he has worked the middle of the field. On a couple of occasions this year, he has gotten into space and has turned on the jets after catching a pass to generate yards after the catch. This game breaking ability is critical to the Redskins offense that has, thus far, relied on the abilities of Chris Thompson and Crowder to break big gains. They needed a third piece, and Davis has provided that.

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Another big positive for Davis is his ability to line up anywhere on the field. Admittedly, Reed is capable of lining up at receiver too, but Davis is better at it than he is. Davis has played in the slot at times this year, partially due to injuries, but he has actually done fairly well in the position. Having a weapon like Davis would allow Jay Gruden more freedom to move pieces around and find matchups he likes on offense. Solely because his route running ability is solid.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to having Davis on the field over Reed. Davis was once a great blocker, but he has regressed a bit with age since joining the Redskins. He is still a capable blocker, but he’s not quite as good as Niles Paul and Reed, when the duo are healthy. Thus, he can sometimes be rendered one dimensional, especially if he lines up outside as a receiver.

Davis looks like a very solid weapon, and definitely deserves a lot of playing time. However, there is still an argument to be made that keeping Reed off the field wouldn’t be entirely beneficial.

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