Washington Redskins: Josh Doctson starring early in training camp

Washington Redskins’ wide receiver Josh Doctson spent last training camp on the PUP list, but he’s healthy now and primed for a big year

If the first day of training camp was any indication of how good Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson is going to be in 2017, then the Redskins and their fans are in for a treat. Now, of course, it is one day of training camp and it’s way too soon to jump to conclusions about a player who missed 14 games his rookie season.

But Doctson is a special talent. There is a reason most felt he was the top wide receiver available in the 2016 NFL Draft. Not only does Doctson possess size, hands and the ability to get deep, he’s still just scratching the surface of his massive potential. Remember, Doctson didn’t play in a traditional offense in college and is still acclimating himself to the NFL route tree.

On the first day of camp, Doctson repeatedly torched any defensive back in front of him. On the following play, Doctson shows quickness off the snap to blow by cornerback Quinton Dunbar for a big play. Doctson finishes the play with a nice catch.

For a team that’s replacing its top two wide receivers from a year ago, Doctson’s ascent couldn’t come at a better time. The key, of course, is remaining healthy.

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Doctson spoke with reporters on Thursday and said he couldn’t remember the last time he felt pain in his Achilles’ tendons, per Mike Jones of The Washington Post. His health showed on Thursday as he looked quick and had no trouble cutting or separating from defenders.

This is a big year for quarterback Kirk Cousins, and having a healthy Doctson will not only go a long way in making Cousins better but could also help the Redskins score more points when they get to the red zone. For as prolific as Washington’s offense was in 2016, it struggled in the red zone. Tight end Jordan Reed was often double-teamed and the other receivers failed to make plays.

Head coach Jay Gruden loves the fade route. He even jokes about his love for the fade. Now, Doctson gives him the type of receiver — along with Terrelle Pryor — who can run fade routes inside the 10-yard line.

Starting cornerback Bashaud Breeland was also victimized by Doctson on Thursday. Lined up opposite of the fourth-year corner, Doctson easily beat Breeland off the line of scrimmage and made a nice play next to the sideline. These are the types of plays the Redskins need in 2017.

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It’s easy to see why Doctson was a first-round pick just a year ago. However, until he can stay healthy and prove those Achilles injuries are a thing of the past, questions will remain. But in the meantime, Doctson is arguably the most interesting player to watch in Washington’s 2017 training camp.