The Washington Redskins have some interesting undrafted free agents this year. Here’s a look at all of them and whether or not they have a chance to land with the team in some capacity.
Each year, the Washington Redskins sign undrafted players immediately following the draft and while most will not make the final roster, some do — and others are added to the practice squad.
There are fifteen players currently on the roster that were added as undrafted free agents this offseason and each of these young men has a dream of playing in the NFL for many years to come. A few of the UDFAs that were signed following the draft have been waived and others were added, but most of these players are still on the roster. We are going to take a look at each UDFA and assess their chances of making the team or finding a spot on the practice squad.
Safety
Blanding has the raw talent to play safety in the NFL, but his speed, or lack thereof, limits his chances greatly. Like any other UDFA, Blanding is also facing a logjam at his position and that reduces his chances of making the team.
His Chances: Blanding is likely heading to the practice squad. He has long-term potential and could be on the roster in a few years.
Offensive linemen
Timon Parris, Offensive Tackle
Timon Parris has all the intangibles that you look for in a professional football tackle. He has the height and weight along with the strength. All he needs is experience at the next level.
His Chances: Parris is very likely to end up on the practice squad, but could be called up if injuries take a toll on starters. He has excellent long-term potential.
Casey Dunn, Center
If you want a classic underdog in camp and the preseason, then Casey Dunn fits the description. The former FCS All-American decided to use another year of college eligibility and transfer to Auburn as a graduate student. He didn’t attract the attention of pro scouts and had a rookie camp tryout with the Redskins. After impressing coaches, Dunn was signed to the roster.
His Chances: He has an outside chance of making the roster, but is likely to be added to the practice squad. Watch for him in 2019 and beyond.
Cornerbacks
He has shown up in many mentions at camp and there are no glaring mistakes either. A great all-around player at Southern University, Danny Johnson is likely a longshot to make the roster in a crowded secondary, but he should find a place on the practice squad.
His Chances: Johnson may have to take on some challengers to earn a spot on the practice squad, but he seems to have the talent and drive to make it there.
You could take everything that was just said about Johnson and paste it here. Ranthony Texada will certainly receive the same scrutiny as Johnson (both are very similar in size and traits), but both players are likely staring at the same fate.
His Chances: Like Johnson, Texada may have some challengers for a spot on the practice squad, but could be stashed for a year or two.
Running Backs/Fullbacks
Martez Carter (RB)
Carter is a small and speedy back with some elusive skills. The running back position is now a crowded field and he will have a very difficult time to find a coveted place on the roster. Carter has return skills and that could be his only opportunity to squeeze in.
His Chances: Carter was thought to be a late rounder in the recent draft and he is a good candidate to land on the practice squad. He could carve out a role in coming seasons for the Redskins.
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Elijah Wellman (FB)
Could the Redskins return to the days of having a fullback blocking for the running back? Wellman may not remind fans of Mike Sellers or Darrel Young, but he could surprise us by making the roster.
His Chances: The Redskins would likely go with Samaje Perine or Rob Kelley in a fullback role as needed, and Jay Gruden has recently discussed this possible scenario, but Wellman could be one to watch for the practice squad and as a future Redskin in the coming years.
Linebackers
Diggs hasn’t been making any headlines during training camp and there seems to be no news about him anywhere. Diggs is surely putting in the effort, but generating no news is not a good sign for him, especially since the Redskins are stacked at linebacker.
His Chances: He will not make the roster and his chances of finding a place on the practice squad seem remote.
At the risk of sounding like an old and broken CD, you can take the same assessment of Diggs and apply it to Fernandez. When you’re an undrafted free agent and generate zero good news or positive headlines, it is not a good thing.
His Chances: He will not make the roster either and his chances of finding a place on the practice squad seem remote as well.
Wide Receivers
Darvin Kidsy
Kidsy is a small-framed receiver who is likely to be amongst the first cuts this summer. The huge number of receivers the Redskins possess doesn’t work in his favor.
His Chances: Kidsy is unlikely to be a member of the practice squad.
Sims earned a UDFA contract after a tryout at the rookie mini-camp in May. He impressed in the mini-camps and organized team activities (OTA) but has been somewhat obscured during training camp.
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His Chances: He could land a place on the practice squad and hone his skills for a year. Sims may have a future with the Redskins.
Cobbs arguably had the highest upside of any UDFA player this offseason but has not stood out during training camp.
His Chances: He is very likely going to the practice squad and could earn a roster spot with any injuries to other wide receivers on the roster. It’s also possible that Cobbs could be signed by another team.
Fields is another receiver who is facing extremely long odds to make the roster. There has been no news of him in camp and at any point during the offseason.
His Chances: Fields will not make the final 53-man roster and he is probably not a candidate for the practice squad.
Tight Ends
Hudson is a talented tight end and could produce some buzz in the NFL for the next few years, but will struggle to make the roster in his first season. The former North Carolina Tar Heel transferred to the University of Richmond and became an all-conference performer working with fourth-round pick, QB Kyle Lauletta. The potential is there.
His Chances: Hudson is a prime candidate to be on the practice squad and could be called up to the roster if any injuries occur to any of the tight ends.
He has good size for a tight end, but this signing was surprising considering his lack of production in college. Flanagan was strictly a blocker and it would be understandable if he was signed as a potential offensive lineman.
His Chances: It is difficult to see Flanagan with any kind of role on the Redskins roster or the practice squad.
These fifteen UDFAs have dreams of playing in the NFL for many seasons, but most of them will see careers that are far shorter. The efforts they put forth are admirable, but none of them are failures. You are only a failure if you don’t try and give it your all. Dreams will come to an end for most of these athletes in the next few weeks and they will move on in life. A few will make the most of it and we look forward to covering their careers.