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Breaking down the Redskins’ tight end depth chart for 2019

By Ian Cummings

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 9: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins runs during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 9: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins runs during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 16: Jeremy Sprinkle #87 of the Washington Redskins attempts to run past Nick DeLuca #57 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at TIAA Bank Field on December 16, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 16: Jeremy Sprinkle #87 of the Washington Redskins attempts to run past Nick DeLuca #57 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at TIAA Bank Field on December 16, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Redskins Top Backup – TE Jeremy Sprinkle

Since 2017, the Redskins have been waiting for development from Arkansas product Jeremy Sprinkle. In 2018, there was modest growth. He more than doubled his catch total… from two to five. He did play all sixteen games of the season, something the Redskins’ top tight ends can’t boast.

But while Sprinkle’s availability has rarely fallen under question, his problem is the inverse of his predecessors. Sprinkle, a former fifth-round pick, was expected to undergo some development, but with his size, and his decent athleticism, he was, at some point, expected to help relieve the Redskins of their cumbersome tight end situation. He hasn’t done that yet.

In his two years with the Redskins, Sprinkle has been decent at best, but nothing more. He has two red zone touchdowns on seven catches, an impressive ratio, but one that ultimately needs an inflated sample size to hold more weight. At his best, he is a very effective blocker, and there were times in 2017 and 2018 where Sprinkle’s blocking helped set up a big play. But he also disappeared on occasion. Consistency has been a concern for all the Redskins tight ends, and Sprinkle is not immune.

Can Sprinkle take a leap in Year 3? I’d lead on the skeptical side of that fence. Sprinkle doesn’t have elite athleticism, and he’ll need injuries above him to see the field consistently. For now, Sprinkle is decent depth, with decent blocking and receiving ability. But the former fifth-round pick still has a lot to prove.

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