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Redskins: 3 wide receivers to target on the free agent market in 2018

By Jacob Camenker

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 10: Allen Robinson #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars gestures in the first half during a preseason game with New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 10: Allen Robinson #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars gestures in the first half during a preseason game with New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 24: Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams carries the ball against the Tennessee Titians at Nissan Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 24: Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams carries the ball against the Tennessee Titians at Nissan Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

player. 51. . Wide Receiver. Los Angeles Rams. Sammy Watkins. 2

Sammy Watkins was once the fourth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was supposed to set the Bills up for the long term with a highly athletic speed threat who could become a true No. 1 receiver. However, that never panned out.

Watkins had some nice seasons in Buffalo. In his second season, Watkins played in 13 games, but he totaled 1,047 yards for 60 catches and nine touchdowns. However, the injury issues he dealt with that year carried over into the 2016 season and that caused Watkins to miss half the season. Given Watkins’ struggles with injury, the change in coaching staff and front office, and the limited ability of Tyrod Taylor to push the ball downfield, Watkins ended up being traded to the Rams where he was supposed to be an upgrade in their receiving corps.

In 2017, Watkins played fairly well, but he ended up firmly behind his counterparts in Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp. Because of the performance of those two, it may be difficult for the team to bring him back at the rate that he wants. It’s possible, but overpaying for a receiver who would be the No. 3 option in the passing attack who had 39 catches for 593 yards and eight scores doesn’t seem appealing.

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However, Watkins could end up having a bigger role in the Redskins offense. The Redskins are seriously lacking speed in their receiving corps, so they need to look to add a true deep threat to their offense. Watkins would be an excellent fit in the mold of DeSean Jackson. Watkins has a lot more potential that Jackson did when he arrived, Watkins is still just 24 until June, and his size will make him an intriguing deep ball man.

Imaging Watkins as the top option with Josh Doctson across from him in the Redskins offense is reason for hope. Provided that Doctson can become a possession receiver in the mold of Pierre Garcon, then Watkins will certainly find success. It would be worth it to ink him to a three year deal that is lucrative, but because of his injury history, they need to be careful with how much guaranteed money they give him. Still, Watkins’ fit in Washington is undeniably a good one.

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