Washington Redskins: NFL Draft wide receiver value rankings

Moderate Value

31. Jester Weah – Pittsburgh

Projection – Rounds 6-7

Like many names on this list, Pittsburgh’s Jester Weah was plagued by poor quarterback play, and that undoubtedly hurt his production in 2017. He managed five more receptions than he did in 2016, but he logged almost 200 less yards, and only four touchdowns, as opposed to ten. Yeah has a good combination of size and athleticism, standing at 6-foot-2, 210, but he lacks burst, and that could hurt him at the next level. Regardless, his ability is clear, and the Washington Redskins could gain a solid depth piece by adding Weah in Round 6 or 7. Any earlier, however, might be too soon.

30. Simmie Cobbs – Indiana

Projection – Rounds 4-5

A 4.64 might not be a quick enough 40-yard dash time for Simmie Cobbs, if he planned on leaping into Day 3. The Indiana product has very good size and length for the position, but getting open will be an issue for him at the next level. He has the length to simply outreach NFL defenders, but he’s not quick, by any means. He would provide moderate value for the Washington Redskins in Round 5, but any earlier would be a stretch.

29. Calvin Ridley – Alabama

Projection – Round 1

Calvin Ridley is the most pro-ready wide receiver in this draft. There’s no denying that. But for the Washington Redskins, he would be a detriment to overall value in Round 1. The Washington Redskins can’t afford to spend a first-round pick on a wide receiver; needs elsewhere dictate that reality. Ridley is a polished route runner and an experienced winner with the quickness to beat any defensive back, but by using a first-round pick on him, the Washington Redskins would miss out on a talented player at a more pressing need. They can’t afford to do that.

28. Tre’Quan Smith – UCF

Projection – Rounds 6-7

Most of Tre-Quan Smith’s game is simply average. He’s not an overwhelming athlete, and he isn’t creating mismatches with his 6-foot-1, 210 frame. While that size is nothing to scoff at, he doesn’t have the requisite speed that one would expect from a player with that build. He’s an able and willing blocker, and he has a competitive flare that fits the 2017 UCF Golden Knights well. However, his value is limited, due to the availability of other, more enticing options at this pick.

27. Deon Cain – Clemson

Projection – Round 3

Running a 4.43 40-yard dash at 6-foot-2, Deon Cain has very good speed for his frame. However, the reason he falls to the moderate value tier is because the Washington Redskins, to acquire Cain, would have to reach for him in Round 2, because they currently don’t have a third-round pick.  As far as value goes, Cain isn’t the best choice in Round 2; he has a way to go before he’s a polished product. But if the Washington Redskins can somehow acquire a third-round pick, or if Cain drops to Round 4, then his value would increase.

26. Byron Pringle – Kansas State

Projection – Rounds 6-7

Byron Pringle has the requisite quickness to succeed at the next level, but his potential will be questioned in the NFL. He’ll turn 25 later this year, which means that arguably half of the average wide receiver shelf life will be used up for Pringle when he enters the league. The Washington Redskins may want a player with more upside and time to grow with this pick.

25. D.J. Moore – Maryland

Projection – Round 1

For D.J. Moore, I could simply copy and paste Calvin Ridley’s description. Moore is a talented player, and if we’re being honest, I like his skill set better than Ridley’s. Moore is stocky, he makes the tough catches, and he’s very good at accumulating yards after the catch. Were it not for the esteem of former Alabama wide receivers, there’s a good chance that Moore would be regarded in higher standing, in relation to Ridley. But regardless, Moore should not be the pick for the Washington Redskins in Round 1. He’s not quite worth the No. 13 pick on its own, and there are other positions that must be pursued ahead of wide receiver.

24. Braxton Berrios – Miami

Projection – Rounds 6-7

A quick and shifty receiver out of the slot, Braxton Berrios could be a suitable backup for Jamison Crowder in the middle of the field. He has the quickness to gain separation from defenders. His lacking size and length will cause him to slide, but he’s an able receiving option who can give the Washington Redskins some depth at wide receiver. Of course, there are more versatile options that might provide more prospective upside than Berrios.

23. Marquez Valdes-Scantling – USF

Projection – Round 7

He’s 6-foot-4, 207, and he ran a 4.37 at the NFL Combine. That will put him on the radar for most teams as a late-round option. The Washington Redskins are one team who should take notice, if they haven’t already. Valdes-Scantling is rather raw, but his potential is undeniably high. With proper coaching, he can develop his game. It could take some time, and the Washington Redskins might want more immediate depth options, but in Round 7, if a need still exists at wide receiver, Valdes-Scantling would be a very intriguing pick.

22. Auden Tate – Florida State

Projection – Rounds 4-5

Auden Tate is a big receiver with solid length and ability going after toss-up catches. His combine performance will push down his stock, but he’s a solid receiver who’s proven on tape he can produce. The Washington Redskins should at least be weary of his physical limitations, as well as the better value options that will likely be available here. But regardless, Tate is worth a look, at the very least.

21. Allan Lazard – Iowa State

Projection – Rounds 2-3

An athletic specimen with all the tools, Allan Lazard is a player who can explode onto the stage at the next level. He has the proper dimensions to be a disruptive player, but if his stock continues to rise, he could linger into dangerous territory, in terms of value. Lazard is still a bit raw, and so spending a Round 2 pick on the Iowa State product could come back to hurt the Washington Redskins. It would be the equivalent of picking Ryan Anderson in Round 2. He’s not a bad player, but the move is bad for value, and it would hurt the overall draft class.