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Why Josh Doctson will be the Redskins breakout star of 2018

By Wyatt Kern

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins reacts after making a catch near the goal line as defensive back Bradley McDougald #30 and cornerback Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks look on during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins reacts after making a catch near the goal line as defensive back Bradley McDougald #30 and cornerback Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks look on during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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Josh Doctson hasn’t done quite as much as many expected he would in his first two years for the Redskins. In 2018, he will have a chance to be the team’s breakout star.

The Redskins have built a well-rounded roster over the last few years. Whether it’s been through making smart selections in the draft, or signing players of need in free agency. This coming season can be very successful if the team can stay healthy. There are solid starters at every position, and that should make the team competitive.

Right now, the question is, who will the Redskins breakout player be in 2018? Last year, that player was easily Chris Thompson. Thompson was the most explosive player on the offense in 2017 until he suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 11. Once he went down, the offense sputtered with him.

Thompson will undoubtedly be a big part of the offense this year, but the Redskins could find themselves with another Thompson-like breakout player in 2018. And that player could very well be wide receiver Josh Doctson.

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Doctson was the 22nd overall pick by the Redskins in the 2016 NFL Draft. He missed almost all of his rookie season after suffering an Achilles injury that lingered throughout the year. Since his rookie season was cut short due to injury, there was not much time for him to grow and develop at the NFL level.

During his second season, Doctson was able to stay healthy and appeared in all 16 games. He recorded 35 catches for 502 yards and six touchdowns. While those numbers may not stand out, 2017 was basically his rookie season and should be treated as such. It takes time for NFL players to develop, especially at a position like wide receiver. Doctson made some big catches last season, and showed flashes of the player he could be with a little more time to develop.

The lack of talent surrounding Doctson last season didn’t make his job any easier. The loss of DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garçon the offseason before, and the unprecedented number of injuries, limited the offense greatly.

The additions of Paul Richardson and Derrius Guice should benefit Doctson, and the offense, enormously. Richardson’s speed will allow Doctson more room to work down the field. If Guice can live up to the hype, that will cause the defense to focus more on the running game, and take some of the pressure off the receivers. If key players on offense like Reed and Thompson can stay healthy for a majority of the season, then Doctson won’t feel as much pressure, and that can be of great value in the development of a player.

Next: Redskins backup S Battle - Deshazor Everett vs. the field

Doctson has the potential to be a huge asset for this team moving forward. This is a big year for him and fans should expect him to deliver. His talent is undeniable, and now he has the help around him to show it on the field. All the necessary pieces are coming together for Doctson to have a breakout year for the Redskins in 2018.

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