Breakout Players To Watch Next Year:

As the Redskins head into the draft, I thought it would be good to look at a pair of players that I think have a shot to make an impact next year. Now obviously there are a number of good options on the team, but I decided to go with a pair of guys who for the most part aren't getting the most attention.

WR Josh Morgan:

Most people when looking at our two wide receiver signings, are thrilled about Pierre Garcon, and pretty iffy (or even down) on Josh Morgan. If I'd have to guess I'd say that most fans are so unsure about Morgan, that they would like to see any of Moss, Gaffney and Hankerson above him on the depth chart. This I believe to be a bit of an oversight.

Yes Morgan doesn't have the great numbers of Moss or the potential of Hankerson (at least in Skins fan's eyes), but there is some legitimate talent there. Morgan has exceeded expectations each year with the 49ers and despite them drafting/signing multiple big names, he kept beating them out for jobs.

Now the main concern with Morgan is obviously his lack of production, but in all fairness he's been part of some horrific 49ers offenses. Everything from the game plan to the quarterback throwing the ball, to the other weapons on the field were subpar Morgan's first three years. Last year would have been the chance for Morgan to shine, but he got injured, which to me makes him a good under the radar candidate.

Morgan will finally have a stable offense, some additional weapons around him, and a QB with some real talent throwing him the ball. I think because of all of that Morgan will have a really good year. I think he will finish in the top 3 on the team in catches, yards, yards per catch, and TD's, well justifying the contract we gave him. While Garcon might have "better" numbers, I think Morgan will be the more reliable weapon for our rookie quarterback.

CB Brandyn Thompson:

Now I will be the first one to tell you that the Redskins need to invest quite a bit in their cornerback position the next few years, but Thompson could allow them to invest a little less. While he didn't get many game opportunities in his 19 trips (or what seemed like that many) between the 53 man roster and the practice squad, Thompson did impress some in preseason and practice.

It's not a lot to go on by any means, but he had a productive college career and by all accounts is a hard worker who constantly tries to get better. And I could see him working his way up the Redskins depth chart this season. Partly that is due to the fact that he only has to beat out guys like Kevin Barnes and Leigh Torrence, but I believe there is some natural upside as well.

I don't think Thompson will ever be a threat to be a starting corner, but he could help out some in nickel and dime situations in covering smaller slot receivers. This was an area that Kevin Barnes struggled with last year, and could be how Thompson makes his mark on the team.

What do you think? Can Morgan and Thompson give the Redskins productive seasons, or should the Skins not count on them as much?

Steve Shoup will be covering the NFL Draft for his own site so check out his NFL Draft Page for more details and updates throughout the draft season! Also if you are looking to purchase the Fanspeak NFLDraft Guide don't forget to use the discount code 'hogshaven' for a special price! HTTR!