Washington Redskins pre-2018 NFL Draft roster analysis
By Ian Cummings
Wide Receiver
Starters: Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson
Slot Receiver: Jamison Crowder
Reserves: Brian Quick, Robert Davis, Maurice Harris
There’s a lot riding on assumptions and chance for this receiver group, and unfortunately, in a weak wide receiver class, the 2018 NFL Draft is unlikely to serve as a respite, in this sense.
Josh Doctson is set as the No. 1 receiver. It’s only fitting, given the first-round investment that the Washington Redskins put in Doctson two years ago. It’s taken some time for Doctson’s career to blossom, and now, in 2018, with a retooled offense and a new quarterback, it’s time for Doctson to build some chemistry with Alex Smith and take the next step in his development. At 25 years old, Doctson still has time to make an impact. But the clock is ticking.
Interestingly enough, the Washington Redskins’ new receiver, former Seattle Seahawks second-round pick Paul Richardson, has been in the league for twice as long as Josh Doctson, but he’s less than a year older than the TCU product. In fact, Richardson only turned 26 eleven days ago. Where Doctson has youth, Richardson has both youth and experience, and that will be valuable moving forward.
Richardson’s skill set fits the Washington Redskins’ offense well. While Josh Doctson will specialize in making the tough catches on the side, Richardson’s role will be to gather separation from defenders from his speed and intricate route running. Separation was something the Washington Redskins’ receivers didn’t achieve consistently last year, much to the dismay of Jay Gruden. It was made apparent in the offseason that the team needed a player to help with that and Richardson is perfect for the role.
The Washington Redskins actions in the NFL Draft won’t be contingent on depth as much as the situation at slot receiver. Robert Davis, Maurice Harris, and Brian Quick serve as good depth already, but if the team wants to add a pro-ready player to help Alex Smith transition, picking a prospect like DaeSean Hamilton in Round 4 couldn’t hurt. At the same time, however, those picks could be well-spent elsewhere.
While depth can always improve, it is the pending situation of Jamison Crowder that will have the most impact on the Washington Redskins actions in the draft, regarding a receiver. Jamison Crowder is set to be a free agent next year, and although he’s been a steady piece for the Washington Redskins, they may not want to pay him what he might command, especially after Jarvis Laundry’s deal with the Browns reset the slot receiver market.
The Washington Redskins have shown interest in Memphis receiver Anthony Miller. Miller is one of the best receivers in the 2018 NFL Draft, and he could be available at their second round selection. The pick would be a valuable one, but the Washington Redskins need at wide receiver doesn’t span that early.
The best course of action for the Washington Redskins to take here, based on what we know now, would be to take a slot receiver in the mid to late rounds. Braxton Berrios and Daurice Fountain are two options, among others, and because of his route running skills, DaeSean Hamilton has potential there as well. But with so many unknowns regarding the Washington Redskins’ receiving core, they have flexibility in this area.