The Washington Redskins need to add a wide receiver in this year’s draft. But where should they start?
This year’s draft class is widely considered weak at the wide receiver position, but there are still plenty of options to consider in the later rounds. Possible steals always linger, and the prospect of bountiful gain is bright for the team that scouts correctly.
To gain the most value, the Washington Redskins need to weigh all their options, and comb through the draft boards, as we did here. Which wide receivers provide the most value at their prospective draft projections? Turn the page, and take a look.
Uncertain Value
40. Jordan Lasley – UCLA
Projection – Round 4
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has Jordan Lasley as a pick in Round 2 or Round 3. I’m not nearly as high on the UCLA product. He has decent size, and he’s relatively quick, but he had major issues holding onto the football with the Bruins. His drops contributed to a lower quarterback rating for Josh Rosen, and it’s surprising to see that Lasley hasn’t been criticized further for his issues catching the football. He also has a record of character concerns off the field. Combine that with his inconsistent play, and he’s hard to pick, especially in Round 4.
39. Darren Carrington – Utah
Projection – Round 7
The potential loss of a draft pick makes this selection more risky, in terms of value. There’s no questioning Darren Carrington’s natural talent, but he’s still a very raw player, in terms of route running and evading defensive backs, and he had some off-field struggles over the past few years. Carrington, 6-foot-2, may not be as great a risk as Antonio Callaway, but his talent doesn’t mirror the Florida product’s. Better value can be had in the later rounds.
38. Antonio Callaway – Florida
Projection – Round 7
Florida’s Antonio Callaway is a superb talent, and a player who most certainly would be considered in Round 1, if not for his overwhelming character concerns. Callaway has a track record consisting of sexual assault allegations, and while a team may take a chance on him on Day 3, the Washington Redskins should steer clear. There are ways they can still acquire a talented receiver on Day 3, without losing a chunk of dignity.
37. J’Mon Moore – Missouri
Projection – Rounds 4-5
At 6-foot-3, size isn’t the issue for Missouri’s J’Mon Moore. Rather, it’s his development. J’Mon Moore is still in the very early stages of his progression as an NFL wide receiver. For teams that are fairly complete at the position, this would be a welcome addition. But for the Washington Redskins, who need to add reliable depth to help smoothen the arrival of Alex Smith, Moore may not be the right pick in Round 4.
36. Jake Wieneke – South Dakota State
Projection – Rounds 6-7
Another big-bodied prospect who lacks in speed and quickness (shocking correlation), Wieneke will be limited in terms of what he can do at the next level. He’s an easy-to-see target at 6-foot-4, 205, but he won’t easily get separation, and against NFL-caliber defensive backs, as opposed to Division II opponents, Wieneke might not see the light of day. Even in the later rounds, the Washington Redskins should avoid drafting Wieneke.
35. Javon Wims – Georgia
Projection – UFA
Javon Wims has excellent size at 6-foot-6, 215, but he is still in the early stages of his development. Despite his size, he could never jump into a premier role in Georgia’s offense, with drops and lack of separation serving as contributing factors. Wims has potential, but it will take a lot of coaching, and with the Washington Redskins, Wims might not have a clear role. There’s no guarantee he would last past preseason.
34. Courtland Sutton – SMU
Projection – Round 1
I like Courtland Sutton. He’s a player with great potential. He has the size, athleticism, and tenacity when attacking the ball to be a true No. 1 receiver at the next level. However, as it stands, he’s a raw prospect, and his tape is rather slow. His talent is fruitful for a growing team with a need for a favorite target, but for the Washington Redskins, who have that athletic, 50-50 warrior in Josh Doctson, Sutton would essentially be a wasted pick. Sutton will demand a first-round pick, barring a slide, and the Washington Redskins would be wise to pick someone else.
33. Marcell Ateman – Oklahoma State
Projection – Round 4
This isn’t to say that Marcell Ateman is a bad player. But at a position in the NFL Draft where players like DaeSean Hamilton and Cedrick Wilson could very well be available, passing on either of them for Ateman would be a move that sacrifices a great deal of value. Ateman has plus size, and good speed for that size, but his route tree is fairly limited, and despite his looming frame, he sometimes disappears on tape. He’s a player with a fair amount of upside, but he’s not the only one, and he should not be the first choice if there are other options still on the board.
32. Christian Kirk – Texas A&M
Projection – Round 2
The hype train for Christian Kirk ran free for some time before finally returning to the station, and rightfully so. Don’t get me wrong; Christian Kirk is a talented player. But the talk of him going in Round 1 is irrational. A team could very well rate him as a first-round player, but on the tape, it’s hard to see that. His tested speed doesn’t always translate onto the field, and he lacks the desired length to battle for contested catches. He’s skilled after the catch, and he’d be well-worth a third or fourth-round pick, but the Washington Redskins shouldn’t reach for him in Round 2.
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.
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.
Great Value
7. Cedrick Wilson – Boise State
Projection – Rounds 4-5
A big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-3, 188, and a man of character, Cedrick Wilson is a player with underrated upside early on Day 3. He’s a very athletic player, and his combine results reflected this. He ran a 4.55 40-yard dash, and he cleared ten feet on the broad jump. On film, his natural talents are reflected in his play. He carries this burst in his routes, and he has a good jump off the line. He’s not flashy, which is why he’ll slide a bit, but he’s more than reliable, and he’d be well- worth the Washington Redskins’ fourth round pick.
6. Jordon Gandy – Murray State
Projection – UFA
A lesser-known prospect out of Murray State, Jordan Gandy has impressive size, standing at 6-foot-4, 215. Hailing from a smaller school, it would be nice to see Gandy produce at a higher level than he did (135 receptions, 2,065 yards, 23 touchdowns over 2016 and 2017). Nevertheless, Gandy is a relatively complete receiver, and although his level of competition is a cause for concern, he could be a steal as an undrafted free agent for the Washington Redskins.
5. Anthony Miller – Memphis
Projection – Rounds 3-4
Possessing elite speed, Anthony Miller is a rare prospect. He was the go-to option for Riley Ferguson at Memphis, and he presents the NFL with a tantalizing skill set. At 5-foot-11, 190, he has decent size, and his quickness operating routes can throw coverages awry in the blink of an eye. The Washington Redskins might have acquired a deep threat in Paul Richardson, but if they have a chance to select Miller in Round 4, he would be hard to ignore. He’s a clear NFL talent with the speed to get open where other receivers can’t. Miller would make Alex Smith even more comfortable in his new offense.
4. Daurice Fountain – Northern Iowa
Projection – Day 3
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Northern Iowa’s Daurice Fountain has been steadily climbing the draft boards over the offseason. The dynamic wide receiver put up a solid performance in the East-West Shrine Game, and as our own Jacob Camenker said, he is worth a look from the Washington Redskins.
"The Redskins could use a player like Fountain. While he might not be a No. 1 receiver, he could be a No. 2 guy and would add a speed element to the team that they desperately need. Ideally, the team could get Fountain and use him across from Josh Doctson and Jamison Crowder to create a versatile receiving corps. It’s also possible that he could be a No. 4 receiver that rotates in for certain speed packages."
Earlier in the year, Fountain was expected to be a sixth or seventh-round pick. Now, however, he could be selected as early as Round 5, and if a team likes him enough, they could swipe him away in Round 4. Anywhere on Day 3, Fountain provides value for the Washington Redskins. Later is better, but regardless of draft status, Fountain has the speed and skill set to provide an impact on day one.
3. Dylan Cantrell – Texas Tech
Projection – UFA
It’s easy to be misled by Dylan Cantrell’s combine workouts; the Texas Tech product does have speed (4.59 speed, to be exact), but watching his tape, you’ll find that he doesn’t often apply that physical speed to the intricacies of the game. Nevertheless, Cantrell is a tantalizing prospect as an undrafted free agent, or even a seventh-round pick. He has great size at 6-foot-3, 212, and his natural feel for the wide receiver position, as well as his sure hands, and his overall intelligence, should help him flourish as an early contributor. His lack of speed provides for little upside, but as it stands now, Cantrell would be a worthwhile addition to the Washington Redskins offense.
2. Jaleel Scott – New Mexico State
Projection – Rounds 4-5
Our own Matt Valdovinos is very high on New Mexico State’s Jaleel Scott. Here’s what he had to say about the exciting prospect in his Top 100 Big Board:
"A more unknown prospect, hailing from Las Cruces, New Mexico, Jaleel Scott has all the skills needed to play receiver at the next level. Size, speed, excellent hands, and incredible body control are some of his calling cards. Scott is the kind of Day 3 prospect that can come in and immediately fight for a starting position. Scott is one of my favorite prospects in this entire class. He has everything teams look for in a prospect, and he’ll likely be available on Day 3."
Matt is excited about Scott’s potential, and you should be, too. He has all the tools to succeed, and with the right team, he could blossom as a solid pro.
1. DaeSean Hamilton – Penn State
Projection – Rounds 3-4
With Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson, and Jamison Crowder penciled in as the Washington Redskins’ starters, all the Washington Redskins truly need at the wide receiver position is reliable depth. Robert Davis and Maurice Harris could develop, but if the Washington Redskins want an immediate contributor who can rotate in as a starter, there’s no better value pick than Penn State’s DaeSean Hamilton in Round 4. I voiced the same sentiments in a mock draft earlier this year:
"If the Washington Redskins reach the fourth round still in need of a wide receiver, as they do here, then they should not hesitate to grab Hamilton. He presents the team with four years of starting experience, and a veteran’s attention to detail. He will instantly better the team’s receiving core, and although he may have a relatively low ceiling, his floor his too high to take for granted."
Next: Redskins NFL Draft running backs value rankings
Hamilton isn’t the best wide receiver in the NFL Draft, and he is relatively limited, in terms of potential, but in an NFL offense, he could be a very valuable piece in his current form. By picking Hamilton, the Washington Redskins would fill their need at wide receiver, while also leaving their picks in the first two rounds to address more important holes on the roster.