Redskins: Analyzing different scenarios at the tight end position

Scenarios at Tight End

First, the Redskins draft team could decide that the 2020 tight end class is not as talented or deep as the 2021 class. Most football analysts agree that no tight ends will be selected in the first round and possibly the second round as well. The Redskins could decide to enter training camp with the current set of tight ends, and it’s not as far-fetched as you may think.

Jeremy Sprinkle is the probable starter for now, and Logan Thomas is likely locked in with a roster spot based on his new contract. Caleb Wilson is an obvious candidate for the practice squad, or he simply may not make the final cut. Rodgers is a longshot to make the roster as well, and Baugh may stick around based on his special teams abilities.

That leaves Hale Hentges, and he may have a secured a roster position based on his solid play at the end of 2019. That would leave Sprinkle as the starter with Thomas contributing significant amounts of playing time. Hentges could see his good fortunes continue with plenty of time on the field as well. It’s a lineup that may seem a bit thin around the edges, but it is not an impending doom as well. Sprinkle has familiarity with his teammates, and Thomas is a superb blocker.  Hentges could be a hidden gem that is ready to shine after posting some solid numbers in the last two games of 2019.

Let’s take a look at the second scenario. Naturally, it has a focus on the upcoming draft. The Redskins are all but locked in with Chase Young as their first-round selection, and they lack a second-round pick after trading to obtain Montez Sweat in the 2019 draft. With a less-than-stellar tight end class, the Redskins could add a player at that position when they select second overall in the third round.

The possibility of the front office adding more than one tight end in the draft does exist, but it is unlikely with six already on the roster. Any third-round addition will likely supplant one of three aforementioned “roster locks”, but who would be the odd man out? Sprinkle? Thomas? Hentges?  Or could it be Baugh (who was supposedly signed for his special teams talents)?

For now, the tight end unit appears to be something of a fluid situation and we should have more answers after the draft. Is the team planning to stay the course with this current group? Will a new tight end be added in the draft? Could the front office wait until 2021 to draft a highly-rated tight end?  We will find out more in the coming days.