In 2015, the Washington Redskins passing game was easily their biggest strength. It should be even more dangerous thanks to a few additions, including first-round draft pick, wide receiver Josh Doctson.
Josh Doctson brings with him some lofty expectations. The 23-year-old has all the intangibles to become an absolute monster of a pass catcher. His 6’3″, 195 pound build, mixed with his 41-inch vertical jump and his 4.50 40-yard dash speed makes him intriguing to say the least.
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Let’s pump the brakes on some of these numbers however. Yes, Doctson’s got the potential to be a problem in the NFL for a decade. He could become one of the best receivers in football at some point in his career. Right now though? He’s a rookie joining a team with too many targets already.
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Pierre Garcon‘s going to get his targets, DeSean Jackson‘s going to get his targets, Jordan Reed‘s going to get his targets, there’s a lot of mouths to feed. Throw in Jamison Crowder (who had a fantastic rookie season in 2015), Niles Paul, Vernon Davis, and the fact that you’ve got to run the ball every once in awhile as well, and it’s easy to see why predicting huge numbers for Doctson is a mistake (via Stephen Czarda of Redskins.com).
Despite that, the rookie receiver will still put up some numbers. What’s the realistic range however? What should you expect from Doctson this season?
First, his role. Barring injuries, Doctson will not be in every play. There’s too many targets for that. However, thanks to his speed and jumping abilities, Doctson can be extremely effective as a deep-threat as well as a red-zone threat. That’s where you’ll probably see him most often.
Josh Doctson killin em😈 #ANS™ (Vine by @AintNobodySafe1) https://t.co/m6z7F1a1W4
— Hilary (@HilareeBanks) May 6, 2016
Joining him in the deep-threat department is Jackson and Rashad Ross, in the red-zone you’ve got Reed and Garcon (who isn’t exactly big, but has reliable hands). Despite the fact that he’s got some competition in both spots, I guarantee you’ll see some deep jump balls thrown Doctson’s way as well as plenty of fade routes in the end zone.
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At the end of the season, Doctson’s numbers will be extremely productive for the amount he plays, but he might get overshadowed by some rookies who don’t have a clown car of receivers in their way. Still, something in the 45 catch, 600 yard, and seven touchdown range is hard to complain about.