Top dark-horse tight ends that could make the Redskins roster

Caleb Wilson

The Redskins don’t just have one Mr. Irrelevant on their team. They have two: Trey Quinn (2018) and Caleb Wilson (2019). And while neither has done particularly well to start things off, there’s reason to believe that Wilson may have a chance to emerge as a quality receiving option in the future.

Wilson was a highly productive pass catcher during his career at UCLA and in his final season, he caught 60 balls for 965 yards and four touchdowns. He worked the middle of the field well and demonstrated natural receiving ability for the Bruins. Some thought he might have a chance to be a mid-round pick, but he ultimately slipped to the final selection of the 2019 NFL Draft.

The reasoning for Wilson’s fall was simple. He’s not much of a blocker and didn’t seem physically ready for the NFL. Despite his production, he was lean and lacked strength. So, teams viewed him as a bit of a project and that’s why he spent most of last season on the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad.

Amid injury issues at the tight end position, the Redskins scooped up Wilson late in the year and signed him to the active roster. He didn’t see any action, but it was a shrewd pickup by the front office considering Wilson’s receiving talent. If he can bulk up a bit while retaining his 4.56 speed, he could have a future as a pass-catching option at the position.

In some ways, Wilson is like the aforementioned Rodgers. They’re both 6-4 and they’re both better receivers than blockers. The only difference between the two is that Wilson will turn 24 in a couple of weeks while Rodgers is 28. So, youth is on Wilson’s side.

If Wilson can go from 240 pounds to somewhere around 245 or 250, he may have a chance to make the team. He just has to show a willingness to block to go along with better strength. If he doesn’t make the team, he’ll definitely be a practice squad candidate and should stick around Washington one way or another.