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Washington Redskins: Josh Doctson Adds to Passing Game

By Hunter Noll

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Josh Doctson (TCU) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Washington Redskins as the number twenty-two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Josh Doctson (TCU) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Washington Redskins as the number twenty-two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan worked his magic on day one of the draft. The Redskins traded pick number 21 to the Houston Texans for pick number 22 and a 2017 sixth-round pick.

After moving back one spot, the Washington Redskins selected wide receiver Josh Doctson out of Texas Christian University.

Doctson gives the Redskins an absolutely loaded receiving core. With Pierre Garçon, DeSean Jackson, Jamison Crowder, and Ryan Grant on the roster, the pick may seem a little surprising, but let’s look deeper into this.

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Jackson and Garçon are both set to be free agents after 2016. For now, there’s no reason to believe the Redskins will be attempting to dump one of the two (via Conor Orr of NFL.com). With those two staying and Crowder sitting in the slot, don’t expect Doctson to become an immediate factor in the offense.

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Doctson should fight Grant for the fourth spot on the depth chart. This probably won’t affect Rashad Ross role on the team. The speedster is used as a kick returner, and to occasionally give Jackson a breather and the top off the defense.

While Ross should be fine, Doctson might push Andre Roberts off the roster. Roberts started 2015 as the Redskins’ slot receiver, but was quickly bumped for Crowder.

Doctson had 1,327 yards on 79 receptions, reeling in 14 touchdowns in 2015. The 6’2″ receiver is exactly what the Redskins needed. The only other wideout on the team listed over 6’0″ is LaRon Byrd, who has one catch in his career, and it was back in 2012.

Oct 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Josh Doctson (9) during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Josh Doctson (9) during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Personally, I believe there were bigger needs for the Redskins, but this was kind of hard to pass up on. While a defensive tackle would’ve been nice (and there were a lot available), Doctson’s skill set gives Kirk Cousins another reason to stay in Washington.

Overall, the Redskins give themselves insurance at the receiver position, and their number one for years to come. Doctson, Crowder, and Grant (who I truly believe in) should become a dangerous trio. Not to mention the Redskins tight ends, specifically Jordan Reed, give headaches to opposing defenses on a weekly basis.

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There’s some shock value in this pick wore off quickly, because it’s hard to argue with the talent. Keeping in mind the Redskins added a 2017 6th-round pick to move back just one spot. Combining that with the skill level of Doctson and the potential potent Washington offense for the next decade, and it equates to an A grade for the Washington Redskins.

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