For Redskins WR Josh Doctson, time and patience are running out

The Redskins have a situation to address at wide receiver.

2017 was supposed to be the year that Josh Doctson rebounded from injuries and proved himself as a true No. 1 wide receiver. But, as is often the case in the world of football, such a dream did not come to fruition.

The Redskins’ wide receiver position group, in its entirety, was a disappointment in 2017. Terrelle Pryor, the team’s premier offensive free agent, quickly became an afterthought, and he was lost to injuries before the halfway point of the season. Jamison Crowder, the team’s most productive young wide receiver over the previous two years, was inconsistent and too often a non-factor.

And Josh Doctson, believed by many to be due for a breakout, instead displayed maddening inconsistency. His prowess when pursuing 50-50 balls, the sole reason for Josh Doctson’s selection in the first round of 2016’s NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, was all but gone for most of the year.

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Doctson was timid in isolation, and rarely did he consistently complete the catch process. The team didn’t fully commit to Doctson until injuries forced them to, and even then, he never became a featured part of the offense. By season’s end, the essential rookie had 35 receptions for 502 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Doctson’s stats show a player slowly working into an increased role. But the play on the field says otherwise. The TCU product never found a rhythm, and while his athleticism made a difference at the college level, he only showed flashes in 2017. Flashes are nice when someone else is shining. But in an offense devoid of proven talent, Doctson had the opportunity to set himself apart. And he didn’t.

Still, 2017 was progress. Doctson recovered from an Achilles injury, providing a looming presence in the red zone that the Redskins have often lacked. His six touchdowns are evidence that, while inconsistent, Doctson can find the end zone. And it speaks to the potential he has.

In 2018, Doctson will be ready to go, and have another year of preparation to boost him up. With more talent at the wide receiver position, acquired either through the draft or free agency, Doctson can reap more results. But time is running out for the wide receiver.

Next: Grading the Washington Redskins' running backs in 2017

2018 is the year Josh Doctson has to deliver on his promise as a first round pick. He showed flashes in 2017, but flashes don’t win football games. The team has been patient with Doctson thus far, and they will continue to be patient. But if his progression continues to underwhelm, how long will it take before the Redskins’ patience runs out? Not even Doctson knows the answer. And it’s best if he doesn’t find out.

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