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Redskins Depth Chart: Analyzing the team’s receiving corps

By Jacob Camenker

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Paul Richardson #10 of the Seattle Seahawks beats cornerback Rashard Robinson #33 of the San Francisco 49ers to score a 9 yard touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Paul Richardson #10 of the Seattle Seahawks beats cornerback Rashard Robinson #33 of the San Francisco 49ers to score a 9 yard touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

No. 1 Receiver: WR Paul Richardson

The Redskins didn’t bring Paul Richardson into the fold to be a role player. Not at all. Once the former Seattle Seahawk agree to a five year, $40 million deal with the Redskins, it became clear that they viewed him as a starter. And possibly something more.

This isn’t the same situation as last offseason when they inked Terrelle Pryor to a deal to be their No. 1 receiver. It’s not similar at all. The Redskins have made a long-term commitment to Richardson because they believe he can be a top receiver in their offense. And the main reason behind that is his speed.

On tape, it’s apparent that Richardson is one of the faster receivers in the NFL. He can burn any corner in the NFL and will add a DeSean Jackson type element to the Redskins offense. That is something that the team sorely missed last season, and it’s why they elected to pay Richardson so much to come to town.

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While Jackson was mainly a speed threat, Richardson has more upside than the former Redskin.  Still just 26, Richardson put together his best career season last year, recording career highs in catches (44), receiving yards (703), and touchdowns (6). And he should continue to improve.

In addition to his speed, Richardson possesses excellent body control and solid hands. He can make ridiculous catches look easy in a way that only the likes of Odell Beckham can match. So, that combined with his speed will give him a chance to be a very strong starting receiver.

Some may say it’s too soon to pencil Richardson in as the top receiver on this squad. And they could be right. It’s possible that Alex Smith could spread targets around to all his pass catchers. But as it stands, it seems that Richardson has the most upside to potentially be the team’s No. 1 option on the outside. And at the very least, he will be a starter.

Redskins fans should be excited to see what Richardson can do. He has a lot of talent and is still young. He may just be starting to enter his prime, and that could do enough to give the Redskins a great weapon in their receiving corps.

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