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Roundtable Discussion: Who should be the Redskins No. 1 free agent target?

By Jacob Camenker

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams runs onto the field before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams runs onto the field before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 12: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons scores a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 12: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons scores a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Jacob Camenker: TE Austin Hooper

Tight end qualifies as one of the Redskins biggest needs this offseason. Vernon Davis has retired while Jordan Reed may be close behind after dealing with concussion issues. The team can’t afford to go into next season with only Jeremy Sprinkle, Hale Hentges, and Caleb Wilson on the roster at the position. So, they should look to upgrade it this offseason.

That said, it seems like the better bet would be to target a tight end in free agency. The 2020 NFL Draft class doesn’t have a lot of quality pieces at the tight end position and those that might be solid could go before the team’s third-round pick. Targeting one in free agency would be the safer bet to get the team the immediate starter they need.

Of the tight ends available this offseason, Austin Hooper is the best. He’s coming off a career year in Atlanta during which he was one of the league’s best statistical producers, as he caught 75 passes for 787 yards and eight touchdowns while playing in 13 games.

Hooper has a well-rounded skill set. He’s an excellent receiver but also is a more-than-capable blocker in the run game. He truly is a do-it-all tight end and likely qualifies as a top-five player at his position. And the best part about Hooper? He’s only 25, so he should continue to improve. And durability-wise, he has played in 59 of a possibly 64 regular-season games throughout his career.

Next. Redskins 7-round mock draft, February edition. dark

If Hooper gets slapped with a franchise tag or re-signs with the Falcons before free agency, the Redskins will have some other options on the market including Hunter Henry, Eric Ebron, and Greg Olsen. But if they can land Hooper, that would be a massive upgrade at one of their weakest overall positions.

Follow Jacob on Twitter @JacobCamenker.

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