5 quick thoughts on the Washington Football Team

Five quick observations about the Washington Football Team as we head into the second half of the 2021 season:

1. Danny Johnson is a player

Let’s be clear. Danny Johnson is not a better overall cornerback than William Jackson III, Kendall Fuller, or Benjamin St-Juste. But he just may be a better zone coverage slot corner than any of them. Indeed, he may be the best zone slot corner on the roster right now.

If you have read me before, you know I am a big Danny Johnson fan. He is not the most physically gifted corner, but he has a thicker build and has been more durable than the likes of Greg Stroman, Fabian Moreau, and Jimmy Moreland – all draft picks who have come and gone while the undrafted free agent has remained. Johnson has always been a smart, steady return man, and solid special teams player. With all the injuries to the defensive backfield over the past six weeks, Johnson has gotten the chance to show that he can play on defense as well. The thing he does, which is crucial to zone coverage, is he tackles.

Johnson will be challenged every year by younger, faster players, but for now, he has his spot secured.

2. Washington is set at tight end for the foreseeable future

The tight end position has not been a strength since Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis both retired. But things are solid right now. In 2022, Logan Thomas will be the clear number one tight end, and John Bates, who is beginning to show that he can be a dual threat as a receiver and a blocker, will be the clear number two. Sammis Reyes should be the developmental third tight end. Hopefully, he will continue to improve with more playing time.

Those are the tight ends on the roster next season. The Washington Football Team will most likely keep at least one young receiving tight end on the practice squad. It may be someone they are already familiar with – Temarrick Hemingway just returned to the franchise, and would fit the bill. As you may know, I have always been intrigued by what converted college receiver Dylan Cantrell could do if he could stay healthy. Or perhaps they have their eye on somebody new.

Regardless, the top three are set. Ricky Seals Jones will probably get a better short-term deal from another team next year, but it shouldn’t matter. The tight end position is not the most exciting group on the team, but it is, after several years of turmoil, on solid footing.