Redskins: 2019 NFL Draft top 20 wide receiver big board

If the Redskins are looking for a dynamic, versatile, experienced player that could fit in the slot, Andy Isabella should certainly intrigue them. The UMass product has been somewhat underrated during the draft process, but he could be a contributor quickly in the NFL.

Isabella had a great career for the Minutemen. In his final two seasons, he totaled over 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit scores each year. And in his final year, he had a whopping 102 grabs for 1,698 yards and 13 touchdowns. He did this despite playing with a myriad of different quarterbacks, as injury issues forced UMass to use a couple of different starters throughout his two best seasons.

Isabella, a track star in high school, brings excellent speed to the field. He tied Parris Campbell for the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2019 NFL Combine, and that speed shows up on tape. Isabella used that ability to burn opposing defenders and make big plays. He is a good route runner too, and that’s part of what allows him to gain separation so easily with his speed.

Washington Commanders

Though Isabella played at UMass, which isn’t known for their football program, he did play against some major competition, as UMass is independent. Last year, Isabella torched Georgia for 15 catches, 219 yards, and two touchdowns in their last game of the season. Granted, he had two long scores in what amounted to garbage time, but he still won on deep vertical routes and showed off his great after the catch ability on a flea flicker. Performances like this helped to prove that Isabella belongs in the NFL, and he does have upside as a deep threat and off gadget plays like flea flickers and jet sweeps.

There are some concerns with Isabella. He may be limited to playing the slot at the NFL level because of his small frame (5-9, 188 pounds). It also may take him a bit more time to learn the position since he played mainly on the outside for UMass.

Also, Isabella has to work on his catch radius. While he has pretty solid hands, he tends to let the ball get in closer to his body as opposed to extending for the ball. That won’t work nearly as well at the NFL level when he tries to make more contested catches. So, that may be the biggest thing he needs to improve upon in the NFL.

All that said, Isabella should still be a Day 2 pick. He probably will go in the third round, but he could sneak into the end of the second round, especially if a team like the Patriots targets him. The Redskins will probably take a good, long look at Isabella if he’s on the board with their first pick in the third round, especially if they haven’t addressed receiver yet. He would be an ideal replacement for Crowder and would give the team another deep threat.