Fantasy Impact: Washington Redskins Select Jordan Reed

The Washington Redskins selected Jordan Reed with the 85th overall pick

We have seen a trend in the National Football League in recent years with teams preferring their tight ends to have the ability to line up all over the formation. As a consequence, a new specialized version of the traditional “tight end” has developed that resembles a tight end/H-back/receiver hybrid. The position has been dubbed the “move” tight end. Players like Jimmy Graham and Aaron Hernandez are the best examples of the versatility that teams are looking for in up and coming prospects. They can line up in-line, split out, in the slot, and in Hernandez’s case even in the backfield. This allows offensive coordinators to utilize multiple schemes and keep defenses off guard. We saw how much the league values this type of skill set when Swiss Army knife Delanie Walker, a backup in San Francisco who despite his usefulness has never caught more than 29 passes in a season during his 7 year career, received a $17.5 million dollar contract from the Titans this offseason.

Jordan Reed has the type of versatility mentioned above. Any well read draft fan is probably sick of hearing this comparison, but it is hard not to see fellow Florida Gator alumni Hernandez when watching Reed. They are exactly the same size and the best trait of both players is their elite elusiveness in the open field with the ball in their hands. Similar to Hernandez in New England, Reed lined up all over the field at Florida, including a freshman season that saw him carry the ball 77 times. As his college career progressed, he honed his receiving skills, catching more balls for more yards in each subsequent year. While his stats may not jump off the page, it is important to remember that he is declaring for this year’s draft as a true junior who was a quarterback coming out of high school. The kid is still refining his game. He has tons of room to improve. It is this potential upside that led the Redskins to take him in Round 3.

College Stats

College statistics courtesy of Sports Reference

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRk5ktoaVPs

Fantasy Impact with the Washington Redskins

While his path to immediate playing time is blocked by Fred Davis, potential Reed suitors in dynasty leagues couldn't have asked for a better landing spot.  He is now tied to an elite young quarterback under offensive coaches who have shown that they know how to utilize their skill position players.  His versatility will be highlighted under the Shanahan regime.  Despite the presence of Davis, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he had some redraft value at some point this season.  In dynasty, he is probably a mid to late second round rookie pick but if you need a tight end I can definitely see justifying taking him in the top 10-15.

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