Football Outsiders' Rivers McCown took a closer look at Redskins TE Jordan Reed. Here are some highlights:
"The considered view of his All-22 tape leaves us with a specialized player who was most effective in certain situations -- but also one with special talents that we can't ignore."
"The Bengals flexed Tyler Eifert or Jermaine Gresham off the line on 176 snaps last season, per the FO game charting project. We listed them as wideouts on another 76 snaps. Jay Gruden should have enough creativity to spot Reed against players he can bully. Washington didn't show much of Reed outside last season, but when they did, it was near the goal line. He's a high-ceiling goal-line target."
"Jay Gruden's offense in Cincinnati ran 66 screens last season, at a 45 percent success rate. The Shanaclan led Washington to a 38 percent success rate on 58 screens. With more snaps, Reed could be a threat to snag 10-to-12 screens next season."
"If Reed can combine what we already know he can do on short routes with his ability to slip a few defensive backs deep, he could become one of the best receiving tight ends in the NFL. He doesn't quite have the physical traits of a Jimmy Graham or Vernon Davis. But Reed does have the integrated technique to produce a similar outcome."
Reed was on pace for 80-887-5.3 (#7 TE-type numbers) prior to his injury, but didn't even crack the 50% snaps played mark until Week 6. In the five games where he played at least 50% of his team's snaps, he averaged 6.2-76-.40 or #3 TE-type numbers. The main concern with Reed is his injury history, specifically with concussions. According to NBC Washington, in addition to a severe concussion in 2013, Reed suffered two concussions while at Florida. If he can stay healthy, he's a likely top 5 fantasy TE, but that's no sure thing.
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