Washington Redskins: Jordan Reed becoming elite

The Washington Redskins drafted Jordan Reed in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Since joining the burgundy & gold, the former Florida Gator has been a fantastic asset for the team. He’s had a few good seasons up until this point in his career, but the year he’s currently having is unquestionably his best.

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As a team, the Redskins have played a total of seven games this season, and while Reed has only appeared in five of those contests due to injury, he has still managed to secure 35 receptions for 350 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers put him behind only Pierre Garcon in receptions, as he has 37 catches thus far in the season. The third-year tight end also finds himself tied with Garcon for yards and touchdown grabs.

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The two players currently possess very similar numbers, but the kicker here is that Reed was able to secure his statistics in two fewer games than Garcon. This is because, as I’ve stated in a previous article, Reed has quickly become one of Kirk Cousins‘ favorite targets. This comes as no surprise, as tight ends often become safety nets for young quarterbacks.

While Reed’s numbers are certainly impressive when compared to players on his own team, they’re equally as impressive when you look at the numbers of other tight ends across the league. The young pass-catcher doesn’t lead in any categories, but he does find himself near the top of each statistical category among his peers at the tight end position.

When it comes to receptions by a tight end, Reed currently sits at third overall in receptions with 35. Only Rob Gronkowski and Jason Witten have secured more passes than Reed, as they have 40 and 36 respectively. His yardage totals put him at sixth overall, and his three touchdowns have time tied at fifth overall.

It’s worth mentioning that a vast majority of the tight ends that find themselves in Reed’s company haven’t missed time. Which, in one breath, makes the Washington Redskins tight end’s play even more impressive. But, in another breath, raises some concern about his availability.

With that being said, when Jordan Reed is healthy, I believe that he should be considered one of the best tight ends in all of football. He’s an absolute terror for opposing defenses to cover, as he’s too fast and agile for a linebacker to adequately lock him down. On the other hand, he’s too big and strong for a defensive back to take him out of the game.

Oct 25, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) celebrates after catching the game-winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the final seconds of the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-30. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

His size, strength, speed, and agility make it so that the Redskins can split him out wide, or have him fulfill the role of a traditional tight end. I foresee Washington finding more ways to utilize Reed’s skills moving forward. If he’s able to stay healthy and on the field, the Redskins and their passing game will surely benefit.

The 25-year-old is on his way to becoming and elite player in the NFL, and Washington and their coaches seem to realize it. That much was clear down the stretch last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as Kirk Cousins hurled the game winning touchdown pass into Reed’s arms.

Next: Washington Redskins: Jamison Crowder a draft steal

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