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Redskins Depth Chart: Analyzing the team’s tight end group

By Jacob Camenker

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown that is called back during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown that is called back during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Vernon Davis #85 of the Washington Redskins celebrates his touchodwn with Jeremy Sprinkle #87 to trail 10-6 to the Los Angeles Chargers after missing the extra point during the second quarter at StubHub Center on December 10, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Vernon Davis #85 of the Washington Redskins celebrates his touchodwn with Jeremy Sprinkle #87 to trail 10-6 to the Los Angeles Chargers after missing the extra point during the second quarter at StubHub Center on December 10, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Primary Blocker: TE Jeremy Sprinkle

The Redskins made a somewhat unpopular move this offseason when they let Niles Paul walk in free agency. Paul had trouble staying healthy during his tenure in Washington, but he was a special teams captain who could block, return kicks, and catch passes. He even played fullback at times. Still, Paul left the team, and it’s pretty clear that they have faith in their potential replacement.

That man is Jeremy Sprinkle. A former fifth round pick out of Arkansas, Sprinkle spent his first season with the Redskins as a member of the active roster. He served mostly as the No. 4 tight end to start the season, but he got more action as the year went along and the injuries piled up. Sprinkle doesn’t offer much as a receiver, but that won’t be the role he’s asked to play.

Sprinkle is the ideal blocking tight end for the NFL. Armed with great 6-foot-5 size and a solid 252 pound frame, Sprinkle should have the skills necessary to find success as a blocker. He did well in limited action last season, and he should be a gritty, hard-nosed player for the Redskins offense.

Also, Sprinkle isn’t entirely lost as a receiver. He caught two passes last year for 13 yards and a touchdown. It’s not much but again, considering how infrequently he was on the field and that he was one of the bottom-rung targets for Cousins, that’s solid. And because of his size, he could learn to be a big, physical red zone threat, especially off play action for a multiple tight end set.

With more action, Sprinkle should be afforded an opportunity to see a few more targets. And certainly, he will help improve the running game when he’s on the field. In the event that Reed gets hurt again, he will become the primary backup and ready or not, he will be thrown into the fire. With that potential for pressure on Sprinkle, there’s a good chance that he could improve in 2018.

Of the tight ends that will make the roster, Sprinkle might be the most interesting one. He’s still developing, but there’s a chance that he could become a solid backup. And at the very least, he will be a great option as a blocker.

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