Make no secret about it - the Redskins have one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL. How they go about fixing that in the 2019 offseason will go a long way in determining how successful the on-field product will be next year.
There is a LOT of work to be done to get this unit even up to the point of respectability. With limited resources this offseason, the Redskins will need to be smart on how they build this unit. Fortunately, the draft has some very good options in the first three rounds that the Redskins should be able to take advantage of, and if some cuts/re-structures are made, that could possibly free up some cash for them to acquire a veteran difference-maker.
First, let’s look at how the unit preformed so far in 2018:
The Stats:
Josh Doctson: 39 rec, 468 yds, 2 td
Maurice Harris: 28 rec, 304 yds, 0 td
Jamison Crowder: 23 rec, 303 yds, 2 td
Paul Richardson: 20 rec, 262 yds, 2 td
Michael Floyd: 7 rec, 78 yds, 0 td
Trey Quinn: 9 rec, 75 yds, 1 td
Brian Quick: 3 rec, 18 yds, 0 td
Receiving Total: 129 rec, 1509 yds, 7 td
*The Redskins do not have a receiver that ranks in the top 80 in the NFL in either yards or receptions.
Consider this...Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons nearly out-preformed the entire Redskins receiving corps himself so far this season, going for 100 receptions, 1511 yards and 6 touchdowns in 14 games!
There are currently nine receiver in the league who have caught more touchdowns than the entire Redskins unit combined.
The Farm System:
The Redskins have a weak farm system, that that just got weaker last week when the Saints poached Simmie Cobbs off the Redskins practice squad.
Currently, the Redskins rookies and second year players are as follows:
Cam Sims (22) R 6’5” 215 - currently on IR
Trey Quinn (23) R 6’0” 200 - currently on IR
Darvin Kidsy (23) R 6’0” 180 - just promoted to active roster
Robert Davis (23) 2 6’3” 212 - currently on IR
Montay Crockett (25) 2 6’0” 185 - currently on PS
As you can see, there is some young talent to work with, but injuries have robbed some of these players of valuable reps and playing time. There is not, however, a top-flight prospect in this group.
Nice knowing ya...
The following players are free agents in 2019:
Jamison Crowder - It may be tough for the Redskins to bring Crowder back, as he should command more money on the open market than the Redskins can afford. If he’s interested in staying with the squad on a team-friendly deal, there may be a chance.
Michael Floyd - It’s been nice knowing ya.
*Maurice Harris is a restricted free agent who could get some interested from other clubs in free agency.
Losing Crowder could hurt, but his inconsistency in 2017, combined with nagging injuries this season, make him expendable. Trey Quinn can play the slot, and if Crowder leaves in free agency, Quinn should be the front-runner to take over.
The Plan:
The Redskins need to plan for the future at wide receiver, and that should start now.
It was poor management to let Simmie Cobbs get signed by the Saints - this guy should have been promoted to the active roster two weeks ago.
It is smart that the Redskins promoted Darvin Kidsy to the active roster this week. Give him a few games to see what he’s capable of, and see if he fits into the teams’ future plans.
Josh Doctson - I’m sorry to all you Josh Doctson fans out there, but this guy just doesn’t have it. He’s best suited as the teams 4th or 5th wide receiver as he plays out the final year of his rookie contract.
Paul Richardson - Richardson needs to stay healthy. We are paying him a lot of money to not play. When healthy, he is a good deep threat, who’s also not afraid to go over the middle.
Trey Quinn - Should take over for Crowder as the team’s primary slot receiver in 2019.
Cam Sims - He has the size, speed and run-after-the-catch ability to see significant playing time as the team’s 4th WR in 2019 and beyond.
Below are some potential free agents the Redskins could look at signing.
2019 NFL Free Agents:
Golden Tate (31) Eagles
Tyrell Williams (27) Chargers
Jordan Matthews (27) Eagles
The 2019 NFL draft is where it should be at for the Redskins. The following players should be options in the first three rounds.
2019 NFL Wide Receiver prospects:
Marquise Brown Oklahoma (Rd 1)
A.J. Brown Ole Miss (Rd 1-2)
N’Keal Harry Arizona St (Rd 1-2)
D.K. Metcalf Ole Miss (Rd 1-2)
Parris Campbell Ohio St. (Rd 1-2)
Hakeem Butler Iowa St. (Rd 2-3)
Deebo Samuel S Carolina (Rd 2-3)
Anthony Johnson Buffalo (Rd 2-3)
Collin Johnson Texas (Rd 3-4)
DaMarkus Lodge Ole Miss (Rd 3-4)
JJ Arcega-Whiteside Stan. (Rd 3-4)
Regardless of who the quarterback is in 2019, it’s imperative the Redskins address, and significantly upgrade their embarrassingly bad receiving corps in the offseason. If they neglect this need yet again in the draft with a higher-round pick, we can expect more of the same next year.
Poll
How important is it that the Redskins upgrade the receiving corps in 2019?
This poll is closed
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20%
It’s the top priority
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71%
Top three team need
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7%
It’s lower down the list of priorities
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0%
Not a need at all