Washington Redskins: NFL Draft wide receiver value rankings

Good Value

20. Charles Holland – Tiffin

Projection – UFA

Charles Holland’s production fell off a cliff in 2017, but the Division II wide receiver still has the traits to latch on with an NFL team and thrive in training camp. Standing at 6-foot-3, 210, Holland ran a 4.60 at his pro day, per Draft Countdown. It’s unclear why he saw so many less receptions in 2017, but as an undrafted free agent, he’s worth bringing aboard to give a shot, at the very least. His combination of size and speed, as well as the little knowledge on Holland, demands it.

19. Steve Ishmael – Syracuse

Projection – UFA

Dubbed a reception machine by Syracuse faithful, Steve Ishmael could bring good value as an undrafted free agent. He goes up for the ball when it’s coming his way, and he has a proven track record of production. Ishmael’s frame could be a minor conner; his lower body is thick, which could be a detriment to his top-end speed. But nevertheless, Ishmael could prove to be a steal if he goes off the board.

18. Keke Coutee – Texas Tech

Projection – Rounds 3-4

The Washington Redskins’ move up in the fourth round, courtesy of the Broncos’ trade for Su’a Cravens, could be big if the team wishes to nab Keke Coutee in Round 4. Coutee is player who will ultimately go in the early fourth, if he isn’t gone in the late third. Coutee has natural speed, and he would help bring some dynamic ability back to the Washington Redskins in 2018. He doesn’t just do go-routes, however. Coulee can provide an impact all over the field. In Round 4, he would bring good value.

17. Korey Robertson – Southern Mississippi

Projection – Day 3

Possessing an NFL frame at 6-foot-2, 210, as well as a full stat sheet when it comes to production, Korey Robertson could be a steal in the later rounds for the Washington Redskins, who likely will value immediate impact highly this year, in the wake of Alex Smith’s arrival. Robertson would provide that and more; he’s a player with some upside. Playing in the NFL could be the key to unlocking Robertson’s full potential, and he would be a good value pick for the Washington Redskins. A perfect fit.

16. Dante Pettis – Washington

Projection – Round 2

I had Dante Pettis slipping to Round 3 in our most recent NFL mock draft, but it is likely that a team will swipe him in Round 2. Here’s what I had to say about the former Husky in that mock:

"he first thing that stands out about Pettis is his speed. His size is average, but he is dangerously mobile. Both quick with his routes and fast with his legs, Pettis has explosive traits that translate well to the next level. He could be a huge threat in [an NFL] offense. His extensive knowledge and proper utilization of the route tree would allow him to get open more often than the average receiver, and the addition of Pettis could yield some big plays in the future."

15. James Washington – Oklahoma State

Projection – Round 2

Possessing mesmerizing foot quickness, and a pervasive reliability, James Washington is one of the safer wide receivers in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has many traits that a young Pierre Garcon might have. While he might not be the flashiest receiver, he has a proven record of production, and although he played against underwhelming Big 12 defenses, his skill set allows for him to succeed at the next level. His overall reliability makes him a decent pick in Round 2 for the Washington Redskins, but even so, better value can still be attained.

14. Michael Gallup – Colorado State

Projection – Round 4

For Michael Gallup, production is key. The wide receiver only spent two years with the Colorado State Rams, surpassing one thousand yards in each season. In his senior season, Gallup broke the 100 reception mark, and while his touchdown numbers dropped, Gallup became a go-to option to drive the football down the field, using his quickness and balance to give his quarterback some insurance. Gallup isn’t a generational talent, but he’s reliable, and that’s worth something in today’s NFL. He has some upside as well, and in Round 4, he would be a good low-risk, high-reward pick for the Washington Redskins.

13. Robert Foster – Alabama

Projection – Rounds 6-7

Robert Foster isn’t the player that Calvin Ridley is, but at the same time, Foster brings a lot to the table as a late-round pick. He’s quick after the catch, possessing the ability to change directions in a blink and make something out of nothing. Still, Foster has his limitations, as is evidenced by his lack of production at Alabama. His athletic gifts have yet to transfer to his position, and as a raw prospect, he provides considerable upside in Round 6 or 7. If the Washington Redskins are interested in a low-risk reclamation project, Foster wouldn’t be a bad choice. He wouldn’t be the best choice, either.

12. Cam Phillips – Virginia Tech

Projection – UFA

If the Washington Redskins only seek depth from the upcoming rookie class, then Virginia Tech’s Cam Phillips would be a very intriguing local option as an undrafted free agent, if he goes unclaimed in the seventh round. Phillips, standing at 6-foot-0, 199, had an illustrious four-year career with the Hokies, logging over 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns on 236 receptions. Phillips, in terms of size and quickness, is far from spectacular, but he has sure hands, and he knows where he needs to be to have the best chance of catching the football. He won’t be a starter right away, but his floor is relatively high for an undrafted free agent, and he could be a very valuable addition to the Washington Redskins training camp roster.

11. Trey Quinn – SMU

Projection – Rounds 4-6

The oft-forgotten sidekick of Courtland Sutton, Trey Quinn is a dependable receiver who could fill in immediately as valuable depth for the Washington Redskins. He has relatively little upside, but he’s a diligent route runner, and he has sure hands that can be relied on in important moments. By selecting Quinn in Round 4 or 5, the Washington Redskins could immediately fill the void left by the departure of Ryan Grant.

10. Deontay Burnett – USC

Projection – Rounds 4-5

Set to turn 21 in autumn this year, Deontay Burnett is a prospect with considerable upside. He has good size at 6-foot-0, and he has an attitude on the field. His competitive flare allows for him to make plays after the catch, and his athleticism gives him the ability to make the tough catches that others of his stature might not. Burnett, still at a young age, has plenty of time to grow, and in time, he could become a rotational standout for the Washington Redskins. He’s well-worth a selection in Round 4 or Round 5.

9. D.J. Chark – LSU

Projection – Round 2

A receiver whose name has been comfortably rising throughout the draft process, D.J. Chart provides a nice blend of size, quickness, and athleticism. He didn’t produce on massive scale in LSU, partly due to a ground-oriented attack and an inconsistent quarterback. Thus, Chark has flown under the radar. But after a strong Senior Bowl and a stronger NFL Combine, he seems to be gaining traction. To me, his price seems a little steep for the Washington Redskins in Round 2, but his upside demands it, and with his length, he could grab a sizable role on day one.

8. Equanimeous St. Brown – Notre Dame

Projection – Round 2

Taking a look at Matt Valdovinos’ Top 100 Prospects list, it’s clear that Equanimous St. Brown has the traits to succeed in the NFL, amongst the highest echelon of competition.

"Notre Dame’s Equanimeous St. Brown is tall and fast, with great jumping ability. He’s also a crisp route runner. St. Brown has all the physical gifts to be a No. 1 passing threat in the NFL. Although he may not get that kind of recognition, Notre Dame sorely lacked a passing game due to truly awful quarterback play, as well as an extremely run heavy game plan."

The Washington Redskins shouldn’t even think about reaching for St. Brown in Round 1, but if he’s still on the board when they’re on the clock in Round 2, they should consider swiping the gifted prospect. There’s a very good chance he could be a better player in the NFL than he was in college, and the Washington Redskins would have to be confident in another player if they were to pass on this kind of potential.