Five Redskins players to watch in Week 2 of training camp
By Ian Cummings
No. 1 – WR Josh Doctson
Almost a week after undergoing a mysterious medical check on his Achilles tendon, Josh Doctson is apparently as healthy as ever. He’s making fools of defensive backs in training camp, flashing his first-round talent on a consistent basis.
Doctson has been the subject of immense criticism from the Redskins’ fanbase. After being drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the near 26-year old only managed to catch 37 balls in his first two seasons, with his rookie season being cut short by a recurring Achilles ailment.
Now in his third year with the Redskins, ahead of a supposed audition for a fifth-year option, Josh Doctson knows he needs to take hold of his latest opportunity, and stay healthy as well. Doctson is almost halfway through his prime. By the time he seeks out a new contract in two years, Doctson will be 27 years old. He needs to make the most of the time he has.
In training camp, that is exactly what Doctson’s been doing. The TCU product looks better than ever; his first-round athleticism was on display all last week, and in week two, the Redskins will hope to see even more. Doctson has cited confidence as a reason for his noticeable improvement, and per ESPN’s John Keim, Alex Smith has been a big help as well. Here’s what Doctson had to say on Smith:
"After every pass… he’ll come to me or he’ll come to the other receivers and he’ll talk about what he saw and what he liked about that. That’s a little different for me and I like it. Just make sure we’re on the same page and we’re flipping the page at the same time."
It seems like we’ve written about Alex Smith having excellent chemistry with all three of the Redskins’ starting receivers this offseason. But instead of comparing to the last guy, let’s just appreciate what we have. Alex Smith could have been the key to unlocking Josh Doctson’s best traits all along. It’s best to wait and see. But things are looking better and better.
Other Sleepers at WR: Robert Davis, Brian Quick, Simmie Cobbs, Cam Sims, Shay Fields
Next. Redskins bubble watch: Last 5 in, First 5 out. dark
Agree or disagree with our thoughts here? Have a player that you believe in but no one else seems to share your views on? Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section below!