Redskins impressed with Ryan Grant

After the Redskins lost two of their three starting tight ends, they were worse for wear in the pass receiving category. DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon remain as the first two starting options, but that third man is a vital weapon in establshing a consistent passing attack.

Head coach Jay Gruden is starting to see flashes of who that man could be in receiver Ryan Grant. 

A rookie in 2014, he blended in behind more well-known names to snag seven catches on 68 yards. There are better pass catchers on this team overall and Grant struggled last season to make separation against larger corners.

But he has had his coach's attention the last two preseasons.

"Ryan, he is a technician is what he is," Gruden said. "If you draw a play up on a chalkboard he'll do it exactly right. He's very good at doing what he's asked to do, he's very defined in all his routes. He's probably our best route runner, pure route runner. He gets in and out of breaks in a hurry. He's got big strong hands."

What he does after the football is in his hands is another matter. Grant is not a downfield threat in any way receptions-per-game leader DeSean Jackson is, but he can make his mark in the short game out of the slot.

His route-running could aid this team in a 2nd-and-short, 3rd-and-1 type of situation, navigating traffic near the formation and making the hands catch to move the chains.

Now, he's also getting lost in the mix with the favorable impression rookie Jamison Crowder has made in camp this summer, and the logjam at the position in general.

"He doesn't make any mental mistakes," Gruden added. "It's just right now with Pierre, DeSean, Andre [Roberts], we draft Crowder, it's a crowded room right now with a lot of skill."

With Jackson absent last week at the Browns, Grant saw his opportunity. Targeted three times, he made all three receptions for 36 yards. He lined up again with the ones the following week against Detroit, but the inability of the passing game to get off the ground inhibited him. As it did everyone else.

But he has the intangibles head coaches look for in receivers. Should he find appropriate time on the field, his intelligence and elusiveness could aid the Redskins as they look to resurrect their passing offense. Jay Gruden is at least looking out for him to make that mark.

"Ryan Grant, he's one of my favorites," he said. "He's always good, man. He's a clinic receiver. He runs every route perfect."