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Washington Redskins: Top 5 acquisitions based on instant impact

By Jacob Camenker

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Defensive lineman Da'Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Clemson Tigers in the first quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Defensive lineman Da'Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Clemson Tigers in the first quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 29: Wide receiver Paul Richardson #10 of the Seattle Seahawks heads off the field after beating the Houston Texans 41-38 at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 29: Wide receiver Paul Richardson #10 of the Seattle Seahawks heads off the field after beating the Houston Texans 41-38 at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

The Redskins were missing one element from their passing offense last season. That was speed. Though they had some solid options in the receiving corps, they couldn’t really consistently get open because the team lacked a deep threat.

Paul Richardson is going to provide the team with that. Richardson was signed to a monster five year, $40 million deal to leave the Seahawks and join the squad. It’s obvious that Washington has big plans for him, and they could view him as a replacement for the departed DeSean Jackson.

Richardson has a unique skill set that I have spoken of before. In an article breaking down his playing style, I said the following of his speed and catching ability.

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    • "Many will point to Richardson’s speed as his greatest strength, and that certainly is one. However, in the wake of his ACL tear, Richardson has learned to play with more than just speed. Now, the more impressive parts of Richardson’s athletic arsenal are his quickness and body control. Richardson uses his quickness in routes to gain separation with sudden movements. This allows him to get to open space where he can make a catch and then utilize his speed to his advantage. In terms of body control, Richardson is able to move his body in ways that allow only himself to catch the ball. He can contort his body in borderline unimaginable ways to toe-tap inbounds and get catches that other receivers may not be able to get. Also, the way he can move his arms and utilize his hands gives him a massive catch radius, thanks to his flexibility."

    This description has shades of Odell Beckham in it. Now, I’m not saying that Richardson is going to have a Beckham like impact on the Redskins, but he certainly offers more than just speed, unlike Jackson. Richardson will look to make crazy contested catches and will certainly have some “wow” moments during the 2018 campaign.

    Pairing Richardson with Josh Doctson, Jamison Crowder, and a fresh face at quarterback should give the team a chance to build a solid receiving corps like it had in 2016. Richardson will have a big impact on the squad, and it’s possible that he could end up being their No. 1 receiver.

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