Washington Redskins: Extreme Makeover for the Wide Receiver Position?
Last week we graded out the 2011 Washington Redskins Wide Receivers, which you can view here. The position needs one of those “Extreme Makeovers.” The offense is in total “retooling mode” (we as an organization don’t use that other word), and next to Quarterback, the receiver position is a major need.
Here’s the 2011 Washington Redskins Wr’s:
- Jabar Gaffney
- Santana Moss
- Anthony Armstrong
- Leonard Hankerson
- Donte’ Stallworth
- Niles Paul
- Brandon Banks
- David Anderson
- Terrance Austin
- Aldrick Robinson
Donte’ Stallworth and David Anderson are both 2012 free agents, and I don’t expect either to be resigned. Stallworth had a strong finish to the 2011 season, however, that’s after being cut by the Redskins. At 31 years old, I see no reason to bring him back, unless Mike Shanahan wants to use him as a training camp body. At 28 years old, maybe you resign Anderson for competition, however he didn’t do enough to warrant that move. In addition, neither possess what the Redskins truly need at this position, which is playmaker ability.
Revision #1:
- Jabar Gaffney
- Santana Moss
- Anthony Armstrong
- Leonard Hankerson
- Niles Paul
- Brandon Banks
- Terrance Austin
- Aldrick Robinson
With the assumption of both Stallworth and Anderson leaving via Free Agency, we have a list dominated by young players. Leonard Hankerson, Niles Paul, and Aldrick Robinson are all 2011 rookies, and should be a part of this team heading into training camp. Out of the 3, Aldrick Robinson is the only question mark. He’ll have a chance to prove himself, however, won’t be guaranteed a spot on the opening day roster.
Niles Paul is a great run blocker and special teams player, that alone will keep him on this roster. However, he must improve in route running to be considered a receiving target. Mike Shanahan, as we know, won’t play receivers if they can’t beat press, gain separation, and run efficient routes. Niles is a raw player, who worked in a run first offense at Nebraska. With time he should develop into a legit target.
Leonard Hankerson will go into training camp with a chance to start. He flashed stardom with his limited action last season. He has a chance to be great.
Terrance Austin and Brandon Banks where both 2nd year vets in 2011. Neither has been productive on offense, and I can see the Redskins moving on from those players. Austin has slowly developed, and I don’t think he possess enough ability to be a consistent playmaker.
The only reason Brandon Banks was retained last year was due to the lack of playmakers. He’s not going to do much for you on offense, as he can easily be injured. In addition to, not being productive enough on special teams in 2011.
Revision #2:
- Jabar Gaffney
- Santana Moss
- Leonard Hankerson
- Niles Paul
- Aldrick Robinson
- Anthony Armstrong
We’re down to 6 recievers now, and have already mentioned the 2011 rookies being safe. Which essentially drops that number to 3 with, Anthony Armstrong, Santana Moss, and Jabar Gaffney.
Anthony Armstrong has become one of the more beloved players to Redskins Nation. However, entered the infamous, “Shanny Dog House” in 2011. He runs one route well, which is considered the 9 route. He doesn’t gain much seperation, he has a good burst but not long speed, and is not good after the catch. I have a saying that goes, “once you’re in Shanny’s dog house, you’re in a land of no return.” Well, I think that statement stands to be true, as I don’t believe Anthony Armstrong will be a part of the Washington Redskins in 2012.
Revision #3:
- Jabar Gaffney
- Santana Moss
- Leonard Hankerson
- Niles Paul
- Aldrick Robinson
These are the players most likely to be retained. However, I don’t believe Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney will both be on this team in 2012. Jabar Gaffney was the teams most productive receiver in 2011, and Santana Moss has been on a rapid decline for the past 3 years. Washington would be wise to trade one of these guys, if not both, if they really look to revamp this position. Gaffney has earned a roster spot and should be labeled a starter going into camp. Santana still has some value, and could be traded for a low round pick or even added to the Robert Griffin III package. That’s if the Redskins even create a “RG3 package.”
Washington could add up to 3 addition wide receivers between free agency and the 2012 NFL Draft. So below are 5 players from each option, who could be on Washington’s radar.
2012 NFL Free Agency:
- Dwayne Bowe, 27, Chiefs: Bowe is a great talent, and one of the top receivers in the league. If available, the Redskins could pursue him, however it will cost.
- Vincent Jackson, 29, Chargers: At 6ft 5, Jackson could bring needed size to this offense. However, he’s one DUI away from being suspended a full season.
- Mario Manningham, 26, Giants: With the emergence of Victor Cruz, have to wonder if the Giants allow Mario to walk. He’s talented, yet oft inured Wr.
- Robert Meachem, 27, Saints: Meach is a talented player who has underachieved. He has playmaker ability, size, and speed.
- Eddie Royal, 26, Broncos: Royal is a Shanahan draft pick who hasn’t been productive at the position since Shanahan was fired. He can also return punts/kicks.
2012 NFL Draft:
- Marvin Jones, California: In the Senior Bowl practices I’ve watched, Marvin Jones has impressed. He has a good combination of size and speed, at 6ft 2.
- Joe Adams, Arkansas: Adams has been tearing it up at the combine. He checked out to be 6ft tall, which is great. He has good hands and speed. Would make a great slot WR.
- Brian Quick, Appalachian State: Notice the senior bowl trend… Most scouts have been raving about this 6ft 3 receiver. He’s displayed good speed and ability to separate from DB’s.
- Juron Criner, Arizona: At 6ft 2, Criner is a big target with sure hands. Problem is, I don’t know if he can gain seperation, as his speed is in question.
- Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech: Here’s a guy who is not a senior. He’s an intriguing prospect, because he comes out a Georgia Tech system that’s produced both Calvin Johnson and Demaryius Thomas. At 6ft 4, he’s a big target with good speed. He could be a mid to late round steal.
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I don’t think the Redskins will be able to trade either Jabar Gaffney or Santana Moss. I mean maybe for a 6th round pick or some other lower talent position somewhere else, but just like Chris Cooley, they both are needed more by the Redskins than any other team.
They still have a little value, and anything is better than out right cutting one of them. We traded for Gaffney, by giving up Jeremy Jarmon. B. Allen and Shanny understand the art of finding guys at a great value. We have to get younger, faster, and more productive at this position.
I think that the Redskins would be wise to keep David Anderson.
Of course I think other teams were stupid to let him go.
When a team actually uses him, he performs. Obviously if you hand
the ball to someone else there is not much he can do.
David has exactly 1, yes just 1 career fumble, and that was back in 2007.
His career average for receiving yards is 11, which means a first down
every possession.
I’m not saying that David is a pro-bowler, but he is smart and a team player.
The problem is, he is is kind of short and people underestimate him. That’s
OK when you are talking about his opponents, not so much when you are talking
about his team mates and coaches.
They keep giving the expensive guys shots since they have so much invested in them, but they likely would have got much more bang for the buck with DA.
If nothing else, keeping him is good insurance policy and might give a little
motivation to the starters to try a bit harder.
I agree with this here, the redskins really dont need all 8 recievers. I think anderson and robinson are gonna have to compete for a roster dpot. Gaffney or moss need to be added to the rg3 package. Honestly being a redskins fan for many years it’ll hurt to see moss go. But they need to move on from him, if they get robert mrschem, who I believe is the best option for the redskins, then meachem and hankerson are the starting two. So here are my list of targets for rg3 next season.
Wr: Te: Rb:
Meachem Davis Helu
Hankerson Cooley Royster
Paul Paulsen Hightower
Robinson
Banks (just there for special teams)