Breaking down the Redskins’ wide Receivers and tight ends for 2020
By Jonathan Eig
Tight Ends
On Roster: Marcus Baugh, Hale Hentges, Thaddeus Moss, Richard Rodgers, Jeremy Sprinkle, Logan Thomas, Caleb Wilson
Projected Starter: Thomas
On paper, this is the Redskins’ weakest position. Sometimes, paper lies. I don’t think it’s lying this time.
Even the best-case scenario is not particularly good. Thomas is a very good athlete who transitioned from college quarterback to tight end once he entered the pros. Mike Tice lasted a long time after making a similar transition, but Tice was not anywhere near the athlete Thomas is. Whereas Tice was an in-line blocker and short yardage option, Thomas will be expected to get downfield in addition to providing a big target for Haskins in traffic. I think there’s reason to believe he can do this, though even an optimistic projection doesn’t put him anywhere near the upper echelon of pass-catching tight ends.
The veteran Rodgers, the rookie Moss, and the former Ohio State Buckeye Baugh, look to compete for a spot behind Thomas. I don’t see a lot to recommend with Rodgers, whose best years I fear are behind him, or Baugh. But Moss is an intriguing athlete whose foot injury probably kept him from being drafted this year. Like Emanuel Hall among the WRs, Moss is an exciting player who needs coaching to emerge as a valuable contributor.
Sprinkle and Hentges should continue as serviceable in-line blockers and special teamers who can catch the occasional short pass in traffic. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Scott Turner give them each a look in the backfield to see if either could serve as a good lead blocker.
Caleb Wilson, Mr. Irrelevant in 2019, does not appear to be anything more than a developmental player at this point. He has bulked up some from his college days, but he still seems to be stuck in-between roles, with neither the size and strength to be an effective in-line blocker, nor the speed and ball skills to be a pass catching threat. He is a decent enough athlete and could improve, but I would assume the practice squad would be a good destination for him in 2020.
That could also be a landing spot for Moss, if he is slow to develop. But I suspect the Redskins would like to keep Thomas and Moss as two receiving options, with Sprinkle and Hentges as blocking options.
Next. Washington Redskins superlatives ahead of the 2020 season. dark
Barring any truly pleasant surprises, it is likely the Redskins will find themselves in the market to upgrade at both WR and TE in the 2021 offseason.