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Redskins UDFA Spotlight: Donald Parham has the upside needed to be a project tight end

By Jacob Camenker

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 30: A Washington Redskins helmet sits on the grass before the start of the Redskins and Baltimore Ravens preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 30: A Washington Redskins helmet sits on the grass before the start of the Redskins and Baltimore Ravens preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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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) /

How Parham fits with the Redskins

The name of the game with Parham is his upside. And that’s what the Redskins would be banking on if they take him on.

Right now, the team seems to be solid at the top of the depth chart. Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis are both serviceable players at the bare minimum. However, they come with issues as well — Reed is injury prone while Davis turned 35 in January — so having young depth behind the duo would make sense.

The ‘Skins do have some intriguing back-end roster candidates at tight end. Jeremy Sprinkle was a former fifth-round pick by the team and while he hasn’t done much as a receiver during his career, he has proven to be a strong blocker. If he makes strides as a pass-catcher, he could end up locking down the No. 3 tight end role he has held each of the past two years.

Behind him, Matt Flanagan is a well-liked blocking tight end who Chris Cooley is a fan of. If Flanagan can show strides, he could have a shot to take Sprinkle’s role or make the squad as a fourth tight end. The same can be said of JP Holtz, an H-back type who could play the fullback role in a pinch. He flashed last preseason and if Jay Gruden finally decides to keep a fullback, Holtz could have a chance.

All that said, Parham’s competition is stiff, but frankly, no player has his physical skill set. His 6-foot-8 frame and receiving ability will make him a unique fit among the back-end depth, and that could give him a chance to make the roster. He would probably need time to develop, so at best, he would be the fourth tight end. And even if the team views him as a tight end/receiver hybrid, they could still add him and use him between the positions situationally.

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While Parham’s upside is high, it seems that barring a terrific preseason, the team might look to stash him on the practice squad. But, if he can make the jump to the NFL level properly and become a red-zone weapon, he could do enough to play himself onto the team. Either way, he certainly is a player to watch moving forward.

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