Washington Redskins: Predicting the 53-man roster

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

This unit looks much different than it did a year ago. Garcon and Jackson are gone, while Pryor is in and second-year receiver Josh Doctson is poised for a breakout season. Third-year slot receiver and superstar tight end Jordan Reed are both back.

If Doctson can stay healthy, he, Pryor, Reed and Crowder could all have big seasons. The passing game runs through Reed and Crowder. Washington hopes the combination of Pryor and Doctson can help replace Jackson’s big-play ability.

Vernon Davis re-signed with the Redskins and is back for another two years. Niles Paul is finally healthy, too. So the Redskins have some serious talent at tight end. Fifth-round pick Jeremy Sprinkle should make the team, too, as he is applauded for his blocking ability. The Redskins need a blocking tight end.

At receiver after Pryor, Doctson and Crowder is Ryan Grant. Another Gruden favorite, Grant is always lauded for his route running, yet always fails to impress in live action. This is likely his last chance in D.C. He will be Washington’s No. 4 receiver in 2017.

Maurice Harris, another undrafted gem from a year ago, will be safe as well. The biggest question here is will the Redskins carry five or six receivers? Also, veteran Derek Carrier is battling for a chance to be the Redskins’ fifth tight end. Expect rookie Robert Davis to make a strong push to be the sixth receiver, especially if he can impress on special teams in the preseason.

Free-agent pickup Brian Quick could struggle to make the roster as he didn’t exactly stand out in the offseason.

Prediction: WRs — Pryor, Doctson, Crowder, Grant, Harris, R. Davis
TEs — Reed, V. Davis, Paul, Sprinkle