I don't agree with the run assessment.
The fact remains as Cooley and Doc Walker have emphasized that Washington in 2017 had the worst set of blocking WRs and TEs in the NFL.
These guys don't block on the outside and defenders are able to catch up to plays side to side and prevent the cutbacks because they are not even checked for a second or two by our skill players on the outside.
Jordan Reed doesn't block. Vernon Davis will block, he is just not that effective. Last year, Jeremy Sprinkle was a rookie and raw. He didn't see much time on the field.
I really expected the Redskins to sign a veteran blocking TE in free agency to get them over the hump in the run game and specifically in short yardage and goal line.
But we haven't added anyone and we haven't taken anyone in the draft either to this point.
At wide receiver, we have smurfs in Paul Richardson and Jamison Crowder that are not going to be helpers in the run game the way that Pierre Garcon was in the past.
Josh Doctson has the size and athleticism to be a contributor here, but he seems challenged to get on the field, learn the plays and what routes he is supposed to run and then hold onto the damn ball.
IMO we are seeing some signs that Doctson may in fact be a bust as a top choice. Unless a light bulb goes on this year I think you look at Josh as a player that will stick in the NFL for some time due to his athleticism and speed but will never be more than a complementary receiver.
But back to blocking. So, we now go to the depth receivers - Brian Quick, Robert Davis, Maurice Harris, etc.
These are all bigger, stronger players than our top 3 but whether they are going to ascend to being regular contributors is a big question mark. Are any of them capable blockers?
Until the 5 offensive linemen get some help from the backs, TEs and WRs you are going to see that one defender who gets to the ballcarrier before he can gain momentum or make his cut.
All these guys have to do is get in front of someone for 1-2 seconds and slow them up a BIT and that can be enough.
But so far it has been TOO MUCH for this group.