Washington Redskins: Target Hakeem Butler after first round

The Washington Redskins should look for a wide receiver in the 2019 NFL Draft. Targeting Hakeem Butler after the first round is a smart move.

The Washington Redskins are currently need help at plenty of positions. One of those happens to be wide receiver. This is something they could solve through the 2019 NFL Draft, but it’s also not such a pressing matter that they should spend a first-round pick on one. With that being said, targeting Hakeem Butler out of Iowa State after the first round is a great route (no pun intended) to go in.

As it stands, the Redskins current number one receiver is Josh Doctson. He’s definitely headed in the right direction as he improved last year, but the fact that he’s at the top of the depth chart shows the position needs improving.

One of the major things that could use an upgrade in the receiving corps is height. Cam Sims is the tallest receiver on the team at 6-5, but Michael Floyd was second on the list at 6-3 and he’s probably not going to be on the roster next season.

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That’s where Butler comes into play. The Iowa State product is 6-6 and has all the tools to match. It’s not just height and athleticism though, as Butler put up numbers last season. He finished the year with 1,318 yards and nine touchdowns on 60 receptions. Although there are some concerns with his hands, his ability to get to balls most couldn’t makes up for that pretty well.

What should really make Butler intriguing for the Redskins is that he’s not a first round name. He will be available to them in the second round, and possibly even the third. He’s also someone that can come in and make an impact from day one.

Even if he’s not Washington’s first (or second) receiver, he’ll be a weapon when it comes to deep balls and red zone possessions. He’d also give them a legitimate big target, meaning they could focus on other needs elsewhere.

The Redskins will need to add receivers before the start of next season. Butler would give them exactly what they need in many aspects and finally give them a potentially lethal red zone threat to pair with Doctson. Most importantly, they wouldn’t need to spend a first rounder on him, allowing them to go in a different direction with that pick.

There are a lot of ways the 2019 NFL Draft can turn out for the Washington Redskins. Taking Hakeem Butler in the second or third round is one that would be hard to argue against.