Redskins: Predicting the 2020 stats for each incoming rookie

Antonio Gandy-Golden

Antonio Gandy-Golden is one of the more intriguing incoming rookies on this list. He offers great size at 6-foot-4, 220, as well as good comparable explosiveness numbers. He was an excellent producer at the collegiate level, amassing at least 69 catches, 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns for three straight seasons.

All this, and yet, the expectations for Gandy-Golden’s rookie campaign are somewhat clouded. He brings good size, physicality, and competitiveness, as well as some route nuance, but his lack of top-end speed and agility will limit his ability to separate against NFL defensive backs.

With Ron Rivera running the show, Gandy-Golden feels like a pick reminiscent of Devin Funchess — a big vertical target who can win downfield, convert in contested situations, and loom over man coverage in the red zone. He won’t be a producer at every level, but there will certainly be situations in which he thrives, and the lack of a clear-cut No. 1 tight end may allow him to be “the guy” in situations where size is needed.

I like Gandy-Golden more than Kelvin Harmon, but Harmon managed to make use of his opportunities late in the 2019 season, and his presence will detract from Gandy-Golden’s impact. That said, I still think Gandy-Golden will have his fair share of chances in 2020, especially given the overwhelming mediocrity of the team’s receiving core, outside of Terry McLaurin and possibly Steven Sims. He won’t be a consistent contributor yet, but he’ll lay the groundwork for growth in Year 2.

Antonio Gandy-Golden Prediction: 40 catches, 505 yards, seven touchdowns