Niles Paul moving to TE?

[pjfootballer]

No requirements, just reading threads and seeing people would like him to get to about 245. Not everyone, just a few various threads.

I have no problem with this if Niles Paul wants to do it and is all in to put in the work. I think Fred Davis is a stop gap and will be gone after this year, if Paul can learn the position and threaten to be here for the long haul as a TE then great. Getting rid of Fred Davis is one more step closer to being rid of the memories from 2008. Albeit he has been a top 10 TE for us at times, the page after page records of him not paying attention in meetings, and then last year's marijuana problems....It's not worth the money to pay him top 5 TE money for years to come.

What in the world makes you think Fred is a stopgap? It was Devin Thomas who didn't pay attention and fell asleep in meetings (unless I missed something with Fred, I'd like to see proof of this). Fred lost weight before last offseason so he came into camp lighter for the 2011 season. Other than the weed, Fred has been a good player for us. I'm not sure what basis you have for saying he's a stopgap.

---------- Post added April-20th-2012 at 10:54 AM ----------

cooley is on the slower side but we'll see how looks when he has 2 legs to run on this season. last season was just bad with the gimpy knee. It's not like cooley uses his speed to get open anyways, he's always been a good route runner.

And he lost 20 pounds.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Yeah, Cooley is the one guy on our squad that'd I'm sentimental about. A blue collar type of guy with a great personality and an infectious love of the game and the Redskins. He's maybe the only player I've seen that truly seems to bleed B&G.

Again, couldn't agree more.

He may have grown up in Utah a Broncos fan, but nobody for me epitomizes and encompases everything about what wearing the B&G should be all about.

For a kid born in Wyoming and raised in Utah, he's the one current Redskin above all others I'm happy and proud to class as 'one of our own.'



---------- Post added April-20th-2012 at 10:05 AM ----------

No requirements, just reading threads and seeing people would like him to get to about 245. Not everyone, just a few various threads.

I have no problem with this if Niles Paul wants to do it and is all in to put in the work. I think Fred Davis is a stop gap and will be gone after this year, if Paul can learn the position and threaten to be here for the long haul as a TE then great. Getting rid of Fred Davis is one more step closer to being rid of the memories from 2008. Albeit he has been a top 10 TE for us at times, the page after page records of him not paying attention in meetings, and then last year's marijuana problems....It's not worth the money to pay him top 5 TE money for years to come.

Once. He fell asleep ONCE as a naive rookie through a meeting, and suffered the ridicule and doubtless lambasting from his coaches. And I'm under NO illusions that Shanahan will of ripped both Davis and Williams a new one behind closed doors to the extent I'll be utterly shocked if either, or ANY current player put's his teammates, coaches and this organization at risk by such a boneheaded move as to get caught on a test, recreational drugs or not.

And you seriously want to get rid of one of a young, athletic, pass catching TE that's in the upper tier in this league at the position over two boneheaded discretion's? Cooley's at the tail end of his career, and Paul is a totally unproven commodity at TE, who, even if he hypothetically transitions; would still leave us looking for another one the next few years in this scenario.

Each to their own, but I think it would be totally to our detriment to off-load one of our most dangerous offensive weapons anytime soon.

Hail.

[hunterx]

I'm always amused when people want to replace a proven player with one who hasn't done jack **** in the NFL. Paul did very little as a receiver last year and still has a lot to prove to make this team. Pencilling him in as a replacement for Fred Davis is highly premature.

Considering that his primary contribution last year as as a blocker, moving to TE makes a lot of sense. I wish him luck in his transition.

I didn't "pencil him in" as you mentioned. I did however suggest that I believe Davis is here this year as his last year. I don't think he did himself any good with his drug suspension last year (which...by the way means he has failed previously to warrant the 4 games last year). Another negative test and he's done for a season. That's no good. So, with that in [my] mind, we obviously need a TE to replace him. If the staff things highly of Paul in this regard, and Paul is going to put in the work to learn the position, he has an opportunity, nothing more.

[manifested]

I think this is great and demonstrates the Shanahans willingness to experiment.

1) The Skins ran the ball a lot when Paul was in the game last year anyway.
His best attribute as a professional so far is his blocking. He was essentially a TE who lined up out wide or in motion. For those saying he's not a "heavy" blocker or that he won't be able to handle LB's and safeties, remember our scheme. We run a lot of stretch and zone plays where his role will be to direct his opponent. He won't be asked to "move a man from point A to point B against his will" (as Russ Grimm said in his HOF speech).

2) I have a feeling (and there was a great thread about it a little while ago) about the Skins adopting more spread looks. It was related to whether or not the Shanahans would adapt their scheme in the same way that Carolina adapted to Cam Newton. I don't think we'll see that level of change, but there seems to be an increased emphasis on speed with the new WRs. Paul could shift between TE and WR. As a TE he's a clear speed mismatch in the passing game for most LBs since he runs somewhere around 4.5. If the defense decides to put a DB on him, Skins can audible to a run to his side where he's a blocking mismatch. As a TE/WR in the slot, he offers some formational flexibility.

3) The knock on Paul was that he was unrefined as a route runner and I don't think he has the all out speed, quickness combo to beat NFL corners. But against a LB or SS, the athletic odds are tilted more in his favor.

If one player can offer some tactical flexibility by learning another position, they can create mismatches or keep the defense guessing pre-snap. I think that's a good thing. If it doesn't work, then he goes back to a career path as a special teams guy, 4th/5th receiver. If it does work, he's another potentially explosive weapon in the toolbox. It's a low cost experiment, and one that could pay dividends given his unique combination of skills.

[hunterx]

What in the world makes you think Fred is a stopgap? It was Devin Thomas who didn't pay attention and fell asleep in meetings (unless I missed something with Fred, I'd like to see proof of this). Fred lost weight before last offseason so he came into camp lighter for the 2011 season. Other than the weed, Fred has been a good player for us. I'm not sure what basis you have for saying he's a stopgap.[COLOR="Gold"]

I believe he had a really rough first year in meetings, and it was known that he slept through one of the very first practices in his rookie year. Him being a stop gap [to me] is only because of his off-field issues. He has performed as a top 10 TE for us at times (didn't I acknowledge that????). The fear of his next suspension being a year is very scary, and a liability. I'm not making the decisions, having private meetings with him or seeing him on a daily basis, so I trust the coaching staff to make the decision.

I'm just a fan with an opinion based on what I read on forums and news articles, you don't need to attack my opinion. And I don't think I am being unfair about it.

[Darkstarr]

I think the bigger question is how a guy 6'1 225 lbs going to survive at TE?

Maybe he see's shannon sharpe in him? Shannon was 6'2 228lb's, basically the same size and weight. Maybe he is to big for safies and to fast for lb's? Cannot hurt to take a look.

[hunterx]

Once. He fell asleep ONCE as a naive rookie through a meeting, and suffered the ridicule and doubtless lambasting from his coaches. And I'm under NO illusions that Shanahan will of ripped both Davis and Williams a new one behind closed doors to the extent I'll be utterly shocked if either, or ANY current player put's his teammates, coaches and this organization at risk by such a boneheaded move as to get caught on a test, recreational drugs or not.

And you seriously want to get rid of one of a young, athletic, pass catching TE that's in the upper tier in this league at the position over two boneheaded discretion's? Cooley's at the tail end of his career, and Paul is a totally unproven commodity at TE, who, even if he hypothetically transitions; would still leave us looking for another one the next few years in this scenario.

Each to their own, but I think it would be totally to our detriment to off-load one of our most dangerous offensive weapons anytime soon.

Hail.

No, I want him to stay. I've loved watching him on the field. I'm not advocating getting rid of him. I hope the coaching staff is convinced he wont' have any other issues. But if they aren't, then they obviously need to put a player in a position to get an opportunity to play TE.

[pjfootballer]

I believe he had a really rough first year in meetings, and it was known that he slept through one of the very first practices in his rookie year. Him being a stop gap [to me] is only because of his off-field issues. He has performed as a top 10 TE for us at times (didn't I acknowledge that????). The fear of his next suspension being a year is very scary, and a liability. I'm not making the decisions, having private meetings with him or seeing him on a daily basis, so I trust the coaching staff to make the decision.

I'm just a fan with an opinion based on what I read on forums and news articles, you don't need to attack my opinion. And I don't think I am being unfair about it.

I can respect your opinion as a fan and I know Fred overslept his first practice, hence the nickname, Sleepy, but other than the weed, I haven't seen any "off the field issues" outside of that. He's an integral part of the offense and true, if he tests positive, he'll be gone for the year, but that doesn't make him a stopgap, since they placed the franchise tag on him. I think what you are getting at is, he signed the one year franchise tender and this is his make or break year (as far as the drug tests are involved and not his play on the field) and if he screws up, he could be gone.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

No, I want him to stay. I've loved watching him on the field. I'm not advocating getting rid of him. I hope the coaching staff is convinced he wont' have any other issues. But if they aren't, then they obviously need to put a player in a position to get an opportunity to play TE.

Right, gotcha'. Sorry. I obviously read far more into your post than I ever should of. My bad.

Hail.

[hunterx]

I can respect your opinion as a fan and I know Fred overslept his first practice, hence the nickname, Sleepy, but other than the weed, I haven't seen any "off the field issues" outside of that. He's an integral part of the offense and true, if he tests positive, he'll be gone for the year, but that doesn't make him a stopgap, since they placed the franchise tag on him. I think what you are getting at is, he signed the one year franchise tender and this is his make or break year (as far as the drug tests are involved and not his play on the field) and if he screws up, he could be gone.

I probably shouldn't have used the word stopgap, as that indicates that he's gone after this year regardless. It wasn't the message I wanted to get across. I just think the franchise tag this year is perfect for him and the organization. Another year to build trust and prove responsibility. However, no harm in giving someone else an opportunity, if they are in fact asking Paul to work with the TE's this year.

[pjfootballer]

I probably shouldn't have used the word stopgap, as that indicates that he's gone after this year regardless. It wasn't the message I wanted to get across. I just think the franchise tag this year is perfect for him and the organization. Another year to build trust and prove responsibility. However, no harm in giving someone else an opportunity, if they are in fact asking Paul to work with the TE's this year.

Cool. You're second explaination let me know what you were getting at.

[TheLongshot]

I didn't "pencil him in" as you mentioned. I did however suggest that I believe Davis is here this year as his last year. I don't think he did himself any good with his drug suspension last year (which...by the way means he has failed previously to warrant the 4 games last year). Another negative test and he's done for a season. That's no good. So, with that in [my] mind, we obviously need a TE to replace him. If the staff things highly of Paul in this regard, and Paul is going to put in the work to learn the position, he has an opportunity, nothing more.

Well, they wouldn't have made him a franchise player and have talks about a long-term contract if they believed he was only going to be here one year. To quote Allen:

“We franchised Fred because he was our most valuable free agent and we couldn’t get a deal done [before free agency]," general manager Bruce Allen said. "But we’re hoping to get a deal done that is a longer-term deal and we’ll see what happens in the future.”

BTW, there are plenty of players who had the 4 game suspension and never had an infraction again. The year suspension is really big and only the people with the biggest problems end up getting that. I think Fred will be fine.

[Captain Injury]

I LOVE this (hypothetical) move. Put as much speed on the field as possible. He's got fantastic TE assets, even if a little small. But with our zone scheme, his high level of strength, work effort, etc...I don't think the lack of one or two inches will be a big deal. Think of it in context of its effect on the total team, not just Paul as a TE.

He's a huge mismatch against LBs due to his speed. That, combined with Bobby Thrigital's skill set, is going to encourage more DBs on the field. That will take a huge load off our RBs and Offensive Line. We're creating a damned-if-you do, damned-if-you-don't kind of offense. Love it.

[roanoker]

Seems like a good alternative or backup plan given the situation with Davis. It will be interesting to see if Paul makes the grade as TE by the end of training camp.

[Califan007]

In case it hasn't been posted yet...


http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...EkVT_blog.html

Niles Paul preparing to switch to tight end
By Mike Jones

As the Washington Redskins began their voluntary offseason conditioning program this week, second-year pro Niles Paul started preparing to switch from wide receiver to tight end.

Paul, whom the Redskins drafted in the fifth round out of Nebraska last year, played in 13 games as a rookie, recording two catches for 25 yards. Most of his action came on special teams, but he did start two games at receiver and pleased coaches with his effective blocking.

In the last three games of the season, with Chris Cooley on injured reserve, and Fred Davis suspended, the Redskins used Paul sparingly as a backup tight end. Apparently, Mike Shanahan and his assistants liked what they saw.

“Coach gave me a call earlier this offseason and asked me how I’d feel about switching to tight end,” Paul said in a phone interview Friday morning. “I told him, ‘I’ll play wherever you want me.’ I’ve done everything I’ve been asked, and I’ll keep doing it. I’m excited about the position change. I’m excited that coach has enough respect for me that he’d call me to ask me what I thought about it.”

Paul has attended all the tight end meetings of the Redskins offseason program this week, a development that 106.7 The Fan’s Grant Paulsen first reported Thursday evening.

Paul said he doesn’t yet fully know what his role will be, but he is focusing on learning as much as he can from tight ends coach Sean McVay and teammates Davis, Cooley and Logan Paulsen. The Redskins often use multiple tight end sets in their offense, and Paul has been asked to learn both the ‘Y’(or lead tight end) and ‘Tiger’ (more of a secondary/blocking end) positions.

There’s a degree of uncertainty with the Redskins’ tight end position. The Redskins hope that Davis – who was suspended for four games for failing multiple drug tests last season – can build on his production last year, when he recorded 59 catches, 796 yards and three touchdowns. Cooley was limited to five games (eight catches, 65 yards) because of a recurring knee injury, and it remains to be seen whether the Redskins are willing to carry him at his current cap figure of $6.23 million. Paulsen is a solid blocking end, but in two years has a combined 13 catches for 148 yards and a touchdown.

“I definitely think I can do it,” Paul said. “I’ve got the size and the mindset, so it’s not far-fetched to say I can do it. I’m picking up everything pretty well so far. But it’s still early, so we’ll just have to wait and see how exactly they’ll use me.”

Paul is listed at 6-foot-1, 224 pounds. But the muscular player, who at last year’s combine ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, said he played at 228 pounds for much of the season, and maintaining that weight was a struggle despite a religious exercise regimen and healthy eating. At one point, he reached 234 pounds, and consulted with the team’s strength and conditioning coaches, who took his body fat percentage and came to the conclusion that Paul was still at a healthy, lean weight.

“They said 234 was my natural weight, so I can bulk up a little more to play tight end,” Paul said. “They want me at no more than 238, but no less than 232.”