Washington Redskins: Evaluating the Tight Ends

In our first installment of evaluations on the 2012-2013 Washington Redskins we broke down the Wide Receiver Position . Then followed up with a piece asking - Should the Redskins target a WR in Free Agency? We also discussed the Redskins’ top off-season priority in our Secondary Evaluations and followed up asking Can the Redskins solidify the CB position in Free Agency.

I had an extra week to study film on the Tight Ends, thanks to the “blackout bowl” held in New Orleans. To the surprise of many, it’s actually a position of need. Let’s break it down:

Evaluations post-film study (ordered by talent level): 

Fred Davis H/W (6-4, 247) D.O.B (1/15/86): Davis suffered a torn Achilles tendon in week 7 against the New York Giants. Prior to the injury, he led the team in both receptions (24) and receiving yards (325). At the time, Pierre Garcon was injured and Fred became Robert Griffin III’s go-to guy. The Washington Redskins were unveiling new wrinkles and ways to utilize Davis’ athletic ability by lining him outside, in slot and even in the backfield. According to Pro Football Focus, Fred Davis had the second most yards per route for a tight end last season, behind Rob Gronkowski.  Davis has all the makings of a pro-bowl caliber tight end. However, he’s currently an unrestricted free agent and the Redskins have to be prudent in deciding whether they should retain him or not. Remember, they’re dealing with an $18 million cap hit. Washington already gave Davis the franchise tag last off-season. Therefore, if they choose to go that route again, it’ll cost them a pretty penny. I don’t foresee a franchise tag in Fred’s future. So, Washington will either re-sign him to a long term deal or a short term deal. Given the injury suffered last season and the fact Davis was suspended four games in 2011 for drug usage – the Redskins are not going to invest long-term with Davis right now. The only way Fred Davis will be retained is if he agrees to a short-term “prove it to me” deal. Grade: A | Upgrade needed? If re-signed, no 

Logan Paulsen H/W (6-5, 261) D.O.B (2/26/87): Logan started 10 games after Fred’s injury and finished with career highs in receptions (25) and receiving yards (308) while adding one touchdown. There was an obvious drop-off between Fred Davis and the depth behind him. However, Paulsen was a key blocking contributor for the league-leading rushing attack with Alfred Morris. Paulsen is a restricted free agent, so the Redskins maintain the right to tender or allow him to walk. Paulsen made a few clutch receptions, but he’s best suited as a blocking tight end. Grade: C+ | Upgrade needed? Yes

Niles Paul H/W (6-1, 233) D.O.B (8/9/89): In his first season after transitioning from wide receiver, Paul caught eight passes for 152 yards and caught the first touchdown reception of his career in Washington’s Week 12 win at Dallas. Niles flashed a few times last season, but going into 2013, he has to make that jump to the next playing level. Problem is, you can’t teach hands. Niles dropped a lot of balls, and it would be naive not to resort back to one of his pre-draft negatives – small hands. The things Niles Paul does do well is, block and he’s an extremely gifted special teams player, especially in punt coverage. He will need to make the team as a tight end. Although, we said the same thing at wide receiver with Brandon Banks last off-season. Obviously, that didn’t work in Washington’s favor. They can’t make the same mistake with Niles. Grade: D | Upgrade needed? Yes

Physically Unable to do Anything List:

• In all honesty, Chris Cooley has run out of juice. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him on T.V talking about the Redskins next season.  

Possible TE Free Agent targets:  

• Fred Davis

• Delanie Walker, 49ers, 28 years old: Much like everyone else, I sat and watched the Super Bowl trying to figure out who this #46 guy was. He just flashed, flashed and flashed during the Super Bowl. Great timing, especially since he’s an impending unrestricted free agent. Walker is only 6ft, 242 lb. But this guy is a gamer. He delivered a bone crushing block on Ravens’ Ed Reed during the Super Bowl and lit Jacoby Jones up on a kick return. He would fit in with the Redskins scheme. Depending on his price tag, he would be a good signing for the Redskins. One thing that could lower his price tag is he dropped some footballs during the regular season. However, it’s more so a concentration issue with him than hand size.

• Tony Scheffler is a name to keep an eye on if the Detroit Lions release him as a cap-casualty. He’s a guy Mike Shanahan drafted and knows well. Would be a decent body for camp competition.