If The Redskins Are Looking For An Athletic Pass Catching TE Dax Raymond May Be The Answer

Dax Raymond, TE
School: Utah State | Conference: Mountain West
College Experience: RS Junior | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 249 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd or 4th Round
NFL Comparison: Jonnu Smith

College Statistics

Player Overview

Dax Raymond used to be one of the best kept secrets in this draft class. He attended a program not many follow when talking about top NFL prospects. He put up inconspicuous numbers that don’t match some of the other top talent at the position. Yet Raymond is one of the best athletes at the position in this draft class and may have helped himself more than any other prospect following the Senior Bowl. According to some reports he was the best tight end in mobile and should be on the rise on draft boards going forward. Raymond performed well against his counterparts from more well known programs and showed that if nothing else he does have the skill set as a receiving tight end to be a legitimate threat at the NFL level. Raymond passes the eye test but if he can show up at the combine and confirm what people see don’t be surprised if he’s off the board before one of your favorites at the position in April.

Strengths

• Good size and great athleticism for the position.
• Knows how and when to play with pace and can have a burst of quickness to separate from his defender. Good straight line speed and is a mismatch athletically against most linebackers and some safeties.
• Natural pass catcher that can exploit zone coverage across the field. Can stretch the defense in the seam and also offers good RAC ability off short receptions. Shows good concentration through the process.
• Used in a variety of place in the offense. Can work lined up inline, in the slot, or in the backfield.

Weaknesses

• Doesn’t offer much as a blocker and plays with pretty bad technique. Despite getting it done more or less against MWC competition he is going to have a hell of a time dropping bad habits with hand placement, punch, leverage, footwork etc.
• Route running could use some polish and attention to detail.
• NFL projection is based on traits rather than actual production.
• Will be older than your average rookie due to a 2 year mission in Russia.

Let’s see his work:

More Dax Raymond videos

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

The Redskins have a host of needs and while a few positions may be bare this year tight end is not. Raymond is another option for the team in the mid rounds if they are indeed considering moving on from Jordan Reed. As far as pass catching ability Raymond could contribute right away as a receiver though he will lack the immediate polish as a route runner that Reed brings. Still Raymond can be taught the nuances of the position. The elephant in the room is his age coupled with his production at the college level. Utah State didn’t get him the ball nearly enough but still you would expect a guy like Raymond who is a mismatch for just about anyone in the MWC to produce more. Teams will be projecting his athletic traits and scheming up plans for how Raymond can become a productive receiving threat in their offenses. The Redskins could be one of those teams as they need athleticism, speed, and reliable hands at the at the position. Raymond brings versatility to offenses as he can be a threat from just about anywhere on the field. Will the Redskin’s offense be interested enough to draft him?