Logan

Paulsen

Paulsen started 10 games for the Falcons last year but played only 34 percent of the team’s offensive snaps given his primary role as an in-line blocking specialist. He adds depth to an already-deep tight end room behind Jordan Thomas, Jordan Akins, Darren Fells, Jerell Adams, and rookie Kahale Warring.

Paulsen started 10 games last year, which earned him a one-year deal in March, but the Falcons will trot out Austin Hooper and Luke Stocker as their TE1 and TE2 to begin the season. Paulsen is nothing more than a run-blocker and is entering his age-31 season.

Paulsen played 34 percent of snaps under ex-OC Steve Sarkisian. His snaps are ticked down in Dirk Koetter’s offense, but this is a good signing for Austin Hooper. Paulsen is a year-to-year player.

Chris Cooley is on injured reserve and Fred Davis will reportedly be suspended for the final four games. That leaves Paulsen, a 2010 undrafted free agent out of UCLA. Only the most desperate of owners should take a flier here as Paulsen is a 268-pound blocker more than pass-catcher. The Redskins’ offensive line will need plenty of help protecting with Trent Williams also reportedly suspended for four games.

The suspensions commence immediately and end Jan. 2. According to a report from SI.com, both players have failed three tests for marijuana. If they get caught violating the NFL’s substance policy again, it’s likely that a one-year suspension would be forthcoming. The Redskins figure to put a high priority on re-signing leading receiver Davis, though his guaranteed money could take a big hit. Logan Paulsen, more of a blocker than receiver, will take over as the Redskins’ starter at tight end. Rex Grossman figures to lean on Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney going forward.

Much like Brandon Myers of the Raiders, Paulsen brings sure hands and an ability to find holes in the defense but offers no run-after-catch ability. It’s a major problem for the Redskins when he is Robert Griffin III’s most effective “weapon.” Paulsen is averaging a respectable 4.5 catches and 51 yards in two starts since Fred Davis went down.

The plan is to use a combination of Cooley, Logan Paulsen, and Niles Paul, depending on personnel packages. According to the Washington Examiner, Cooley “clearly had lost a step” before the Redskins cut him in September. He’s not a recommended waiver pickup this week and will likely be outproduced by Paulsen, whom Shanahan says is a “legit tight end now.”

“He’s earned it,” explained Shanahan. Paulsen has been dubbed “The Angle King” by Redskins coaches because he takes such good angles in blocking. OC Kyle Shanahan says Paulsen is “a legit tight end now” after his 76-yard breakout game in Davis’ stead last week. Desperate deep leaguers may want to take Paulsen for a spin against the Steelers this week.

Cooley hasn’t had an impact since getting re-signed prior to Week 8. He’s played a total of 29 snaps in two games and has no catches on two targets. The Redskins are leaning heavily on Logan Paulsen, who has played on 135 of a possible 140 snaps over the last two weeks.

Paulsen isn’t believed to be in danger of missing Thursday’s game at Dallas. He saw just one target in Week 11 after averaging seven per in the previous three games.