Washington Redskins get UDFA steal in WR Shay Fields
The Washington Redskins are putting together a competitive roster in the NFC East, and UDFA WR Shay Fields from Colorado could factor in…
The Washington Redskins have done a good job of reshaping and rebuilding their roster the past couple of years, and the rebuilding process isn’t taking a hit at the quarterback position as the team arguably upgraded this offseason from Kirk Cousins to Alex Smith.
After another good NFL Draft class in 2018, the Redskins set out to get some depth at the wide receiver position.
After using the final pick in the 2018 NFL Draft on SMU slot receiver Trey Quinn, the Redskins signed five additional receivers as undrafted free agents.
Among those five post-draft signings was Colorado’s Shay Fields, whose nickname is ‘Big Play Shay’.
The 5-foot-10, 187 pound Fields ran an impressive 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the Colorado pro day, also posting a 35-inch vertical and proving his athleticism. Those numbers were important because Fields was not invited to the Scouting Combine, and didn’t have a chance to show off his skills on that big stage.
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So, he had to work with what he was given.
That was sort of the theme of his senior season at Colorado, as well.
Fields was very productive throughout his career at CU, but his production took a big dip in 2017 after Sefo Liufao graduated and the Buffaloes struggled to get things going through the air.
Fields had nine touchdowns in 2016 with Liufao throwing the passes and showed off his big play ability.
DeSean Jackson was obviously a very special talent, but Fields sort of has a similar look to him. He even wears number one, just like Jackson did in college at Cal.
The Redskins know how much of an impact a player like this can make, which is why they went and spent a bunch of money this offseason on another former Colorado speedster, Paul Richardson.
As the Redskins seek out depth at the receiver position, Fields stands a decent chance of making the roster, or at the very least cracking the practice squad and getting a chance to develop in their system.