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Washington Redskins: Josh Doctson ready for breakout season

By Bryan Manning

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins reacts after making a catch near the goal line as defensive back Bradley McDougald #30 and cornerback Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks look on during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins reacts after making a catch near the goal line as defensive back Bradley McDougald #30 and cornerback Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks look on during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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Josh Doctson is entering his third year in the NFL with the Washington Redskins and is poised for a breakout season in 2018.

Optimism is high around the NFL this time of the year. Every team is undefeated and excited for the season ahead. The Washington Redskins are no different. With a new quarterback in Alex Smith, the Redskins believe this could be a big year for them. The team added more help along the defensive line this offseason and a stud running back in Derrius Guice. But it’s a player already on the roster who could take Washington’s offense to another level.

That player is Josh Doctson.

The third-year wide receiver from TCU missed most of his rookie season in 2016 due to leg issues. In 2017, the coaches made Doctson earn his time. And he showed flashes of brilliance. However, the consistency wasn’t there. Doctson’s routes weren’t crisp, he missed easy catches and there was a lack of trust in him from former quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Head coach Jay Gruden hammered Cousins about throwing Doctson more “50-50 balls.” Meaning, put the ball in Doctson’s area and let him go up and use his athletic gifts and natural ball skills to come away with the big play. Cousins did, but not enough for Gruden’s liking.

With Smith now under center and OTAs underway, the receiver is as confident in himself as he’s been in years. And Smith being his quarterback has a lot to do with it.

During the open portion of OTAs this week, those in attendance have noticed Doctson. He’s running his routes with more confidence and going up against top cornerback Josh Norman in practice. Doctson is winning his fair share of those matchups, too.

Doctson spoke with the media after practice on Wednesday and even appeared more relaxed than he’d been his first two years in the league. The biggest takeaway from Doctson’s talk with the media was his confidence, per John Keim of ESPN:

"“It’s just being comfortable, man. Being comfortable and trusting myself. The biggest thing is confidence level. You give anybody confidence and he’ll be fine. You have high school players who could come out here and play through confidence.”"

Doctson has the talent to be a true No. 1 receiver. He has great size and athletic ability and his ability to track the ball in the air is an elite trait. Route-running was something he had to learn at this level. Now in his third year, he appears to be finally understanding Gruden’s offense. If Doctson can be the team’s No. 1 receiver and newcomer Paul Richardson settles in as a deep threat, this offense could be one of the best in the league.

Remember, it’s still the spring, but early signs are encouraging for Doctson. The Redskins hope the new, more confident Doctson takes over in 2018. If he does, watch out.

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