37 catches, 314 yards and 6 touchdowns. These are Chris Cooley's Redskins rookie record setting stats from 2004. Well, they were record setting. That was before this season, and before Jordan Reed. In just 9 games this season, with one missed to injury, Reed has racked up an impressive 487 yards, with 44 catches and 3 touchdowns. He is on pace for 867 yards, 78 catches and about 6 touchdowns. The rookie record for a TE is currently 81 catches, 869 yards and 6 touchdowns, held by Keith Jackson, from the 1988 NFL season. The 134 yards Jordan Reed gained against the Bears this season is also a Redskins rookie record for his position. Assuming Reed stays healthy, he has a good shot at having the best season by a rookie tight end.
Reed looked explosive and versatile coming out of Florida. The Skins drafted him in the 3rd round of the 2013 draft with the 85th overall pick. His 6' 2" 243 lb frame allows him to be a dominant force that demands attention between the numbers, however his 4.7 40 yard dash speed also allows him to stretch the field for his offense. His blocking needs to develop, as it is not his strong suit, but if you ask the coaching staff, his work ethic leaves you to believe he has no where to go but up.
The Redskins coaching staff and scouts were immediately drawn to Reed's unique skill set and physical abilities. He was initially recruited as a quarterback by Florida, but seeing little to no action, and being redshirted as a freshman in 2009, Reed was moved to tight end. He finished his college career with 938 yards, 78 catches and 6 touchdowns. After 3 years, he decided to forgo his final year of college and enter the NFL draft.
While Reed's emergence is great for the team, is does come at a cost. Well, a cost for Fred Davis. With Reeds pass catching and route running skills, Logan Paulsen's blocking skill, and Niles Paul's presence on special teams, this really leaves no room for Davis on the squad. However, don't expect the Skins to hand him his walking papers. Davis makes for a viable replacement if something were to happen to anyone of the other tight ends on the roster.
Looking into the future of the team with Jordan Reed, Redskins fans have to be excited. Its been awhile since they've had a player this explosive, and with RG3 developing his down the field passing game, he'll be looking for a safety valve. And wow, has he ever got one in Jordan Reed. Now its up to the coaches to develop him, keep him healthy and on the field, and put him in the best position possible to excel. But needless to say, the futures bright for Mr. Reed and the Redskins.
Brian Smith
Shades of Red
This article is featured in a weekly sports column for "Bristow Beat"
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