The Washington Redskins’ receiving corps might be under as much pressure as any other position to improve in 2018. The group is diverse, young and added a big-money free agent to give new quarterback Alex Smith the tools he needs to take the organization back to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
The team has to get better running the ball and stopping the run, but the passing game is the foundation of this offense.
As much as anyone, the team needs 2016 first-round pick Josh Doctson to take a significant step forward. The 6-foot-2, 206-pound receiver played just two games as a rookie due to recurring Achilles’ tendon injuries that began during that offseason. A pulled hamstring last August further slowed his development and he finished the 2017 season with 35 catches for 502 yards and six touchdowns. This is his first fully healthy offseason as a professional.
Doctson said he “absolutely” feels in a better place this year, is able to run full sprints and everything else and wants to be more efficient.
“I think trusting myself, knowing that I can play,” Doctson said, explaining his confidence. “My first year was last year, actually playing on the field. So, with experience out there, with the good and bad, [it’s] always going to help me. Hopefully I’m going to build on that this year.”
Doctson is expected to start on the outside opposite Paul Richardson, who signed a five-year, $40 million contract to leave the Seattle Seahawks. Richardson brings a speedy, downfield threat to complement Doctson’s size and physicality.
Coach Jay Gruden has praised Doctson’s route-running ability during the last three weeks of organized team activities.
“It’s just being comfortable,” Doctson said. “Just trusting myself. That’s the biggest thing with confidence. If you give anybody confidence, they’ll be fine. You could have high school players that could come out here and play just through confidence. That’s all it is. It’s kind of surreal when you first get here.
“[Confidence grows from] just experience. Being out on the field, seeing myself catch the ball in clutch situations last year. And dropping the ball in clutch situations last year. All that plays a role and is going to make me better.”
Doctson, Richardson and slot receiver Jamison Crowder have all been present during the voluntary OTAs and have had strong workouts. Richardson (6-0, 183 pounds), who had a career year in 2017 with 44 catches, 703 yards and six touchdowns, has fit in well and developed chemistry with the other receivers. The 26-year old should bring a deep-speed component that was missing after DeSean Jackson left for Tampa Bay last season, but his route-running and ball skills may be underappreciated.
“I’ve had fun working with the guys,” Richardson said. “One thing I learned soon as I got here, they don’t have big egos, so it’s easier for us to learn from one another. It’s crazy what I’ve learned over the years from my high school coaches to college, to be able to come here and be able to open their eyes to certain stuff. And then they’re helping me learn the offense and showing me how to run routes here and where the timing is.
“I think it’s good. It’s not like that everywhere. Guys aren’t trying to get other guys ready that play the same position. So that’s healthy.”
There’s also hope that Crowder, 24, is poised for a breakout effort. His numbers regressed slightly in 2017 and he had 66 receptions for 789 yards and three touchdowns. Crowder (5-9, 177 pounds) has the ability to be a 1,000-yard receiver and has a quarterback known for his accuracy and smarts. The belief is that Crowder can thrive with Smith. And there’s some additional motivation as Crowder is playing on the final year of his rookie deal and is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2019.
The passing game is Gruden’s specialty and former quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for more than 4,000 yards each of the last three seasons. There’s no shortage of young talent in the pass game, particularly if tight end Jordan Reed gets healthy. Veteran Vernon Davis continues to be a consistent threat and rookie Trey Quinn could add depth in the slot after leading the NCAA with 114 catches in 2017. Brian Quick and Robert Davis have also had good moments during OTAs.
The potential is there. The Redskins just need everyone on the same page as quickly as possible and for those youngsters to take the next step in their progression.
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