Redskins Depth Chart: Analyzing the team’s tight end group
Primary Backup: TE Vernon Davis
Following the 2015 NFL season, it seemed that Vernon Davis’ NFL career was over. The veteran had come off what was one of his worst seasons. Playing for the 49ers and Broncos, he had totaled just 38 catches for 395 yards. He had little explosive ability left. He didn’t separate well and wasn’t a scoring threat. The writing was on the wall.
But, Davis was able to land another gig in the NFL. The Washington Redskins signed him to a short term deal to be their backup to Jordan Reed. At time, nobody thought much of this. Davis was just there to provide Niles Paul with competition for the backup role. But there was no way that an over-the-hill veteran would unseat Paul, a solid all-around player and special teams captain. Right? Not quite.
In his first year in Washington, Davis found a perfect role for himself as the primary backup. He started 14 games serving as a role player, and he filled in when needed and did a good job. He looked quicker than he had in the previous season and established a good rapport with Kirk Cousins. This was how Davis was able to log 44 catches for 583 yards and two scores. It set him up for another contract, which he signed with the Redskins, and he went into the 2017 season expecting to either reprise his role or take a minor step back while still contributing.
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Instead, Davis took a step forward. With Reed missing most of the 2017 campaign, Davis found himself as the primary starting option at tight end. And he continued to shake off the rest and rediscover his athletic ability.
Davis was a solid vertical threat down the middle of the field, and he frequently was able to get into open space. This time around, he logged 43 catches for 648 yards and three touchdowns. His average yards per catch of 15.1 was the third highest of his career, and it was clear that he fit perfectly into Jay Gruden‘s offensive vision.
This season, the expectations for Davis are, once again, fairly average. He is probably going to see a good chunk of playing time, but if Reed is healthy, he won’t see a lion’s share of the workload. This could actually benefit him and allow him to keep himself fresher. After all, he did turn 34 in January and has been playing in the league for 12 years. So, avoiding overworking him will be key.
It will also help Davis that he is reuniting with a familiar face: Alex Smith. The duo worked together in San Francisco for seven years before Smith was ultimately traded to the Chiefs. Smith wasn’t always Davis’ primary quarterback, but the two certainly know each other’s skill sets inside and out. Thus, that will give them a chance to develop strong chemistry early. And that will help Davis to succeed now that Cousins, who obviously like throwing to him, is gone.
Right now, there’s not much pressure on Davis. He’s the clear-cut No. 2 tight end, and he could be a starter in a lot of packages. Davis is a great receiver, a solid blocker, and a reliable presence. He should continue to have a positive impact on his Washington teammates.