Re-ordering the Redskins draft needs after initial free agency
By Ian Cummings
No. 3 – Wide Receiver
There were whispers that the Redskins could be in the market for some of the top free agent receivers, but they left the initial free agency frenzy empty handed, in that regard. Compounded with the departure of Jamison Crowder, Washington’s early inaction at wide receiver leaves a gaping hole on offense.
As of now, the starting lineup at wide receiver is set to feature Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson at the X and Z positions, perhaps interchangeably, with Trey Quinn succeeding Crowder as the team’s slot receiver. If you follow me, you know I’m a huge Trey Quinn fan. You know I’m not willing to close the book on Richardson yet. And you know I’m willing to cut Doctson some slack for the hardships he faced early in his career.
That said, that starting lineup is certainly not up to par on its own. Doctson still has yet to finish developing his game, and it’s up for debate if he ever will. Richardson has speed and route running savvy, but can he stay healthy long enough to pay dividends on the team’s $8 million annual investment? And while Quinn has promising traits, health is an issue for him as well, and he shouldn’t be given a starting job just yet.
The Redskins had a need for dynamic talent in their receiving core last season, and now, after the initial wave of free agency, that truth still stands. With a deep receiver class on the horizon, Washington will have it easy. Or at least one would hope.