Redskins WR Antonio Gandy-Golden can add new element to offense
By Ian Cummings
The Redskins drafted Liberty wide receiver with a clear role in mind for the former Flame. Looking at his attributes, it’s clear what he can add to the table.
The Washington Redskins‘ 2020 NFL Draft performance was widely deemed a middle-of-the-road outing, compared to other NFL teams. They had some valuable picks, but wandered into obscurity a bit on Day 3. That said, they were largely lauded for their fourth-round showing, which saw them draft two potential starters on the offensive side of the ball.
The Redskins’ first fourth-round selection was LSU offensive tackle Saahdiq Charles, a big, athletic blindside blocker with a smooth game and clear upside at the next level. Their second fourth-round selection was Liberty wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden.
Gandy-Golden’s path to relevance with the Redskins is both obstructed and obvious. He joins a cluttered position group that has little in the way of organization and hierarchy behind the top receiving threats, Terry McLaurin and Steven Sims Jr. Kelvin Harmon, Trey Quinn, Cody Latimer, and others will all be in on the battle to lock down the remaining spots along with Gandy-Golden, but Gandy-Golden has a profile few of them can match.
Something the Redskins have lacked for a long time on offense is size, but not just numerical size. Some players have the size, but fail to play up to it, or use it to the best of their ability. Gandy-Golden doesn’t have this problem. While he’s not a burner speed-wise, he makes a point out of imposing his size and being physical with cornerbacks. He thrives in contested situations, and with play strength, body control, and laser focus, he’s able to make the most of the chances given to him by his quarterback.
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Gandy-Golden is explosive in his own way, possessing the vertical burst and wingspan to close ground quickly at the catch point. That ability alone should help him carve out a role in the Redskins’ offense, and despite coming in at around 6-foot-4, 228, he’s still fairly twitchy for his build, and he has the ability to get open as well. The “alpha” is an archetype Gandy-Golden can potentially fulfill in the NFL. He has the mentality to do it, and now he has the opportunity as well.