Washington Redskins get undrafted gem in Thaddeus Moss

The Washington Redskins chose not to use a draft pick on a tight end, but they lucked out by getting LSU’s Thaddeus Moss after the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Washington Redskins opened their 2020 NFL Draft class by taking the player many thought to be the best overall prospect in the class — Ohio State defensive end Chase Young.

Since they traded up for an additional first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft (Mississippi State pass rusher Montez Sweat) the Redskins didn’t have a second-round pick, and had to address their plenty roster holes with only one pick in the first two rounds.

Although the Redskins had a clear need at the tight end position heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, they opted not to use any of their eight selections on the position.

That turned out okay for them because after the draft, they were the first team to call up LSU tight end Thaddeus Moss, son of former Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots great Randy Moss.

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Moss does not have tremendous athletic traits, at least not ones that show up consistently on tape. He doesn’t fly down the field or have elite short-area quickness, but Moss — like dear old dad — has a knack for making plays and like the Tweet says, he didn’t drop a pass in 2019.

In addition to having sure hands, Moss is a tremendous blocker at the tight end position, a huge asset in 11 personnel both in the run game and in the passing game where he can chip and release as a receiving threat.

He might not be Washington’s day one starter at tight end, but this is a team whose leader in receptions at tight end last year was Jeremy Sprinkle, who started 13 of 16 games and caught 26 passes with one touchdown.

The opportunity is there for Moss to take hold of a prominent position on Washington’s depth chart, though a Jones fracture that was discovered at the Scouting Combine could hinder his chances a bit.

If he can get himself healthy and ready for the season, the undrafted Moss stands a pretty good chance to not only make the Redskins’ roster, but to make an impact sooner rather than later.