Taking a look forward, while seeing what went wrong or right during the season, for each position. Today: wide receivers.
Under contract for 2015: Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, Andre Roberts, Ryan Grant
Pending free agents: Leonard Hankerson, Santana Moss
Best bargain: Jackson, by far. Roberts was not a bargain at all and Grant didn’t do much. That leaves Garcon and Jackson and the latter produced big gains with fewer chances. Jackson counted $4.25 million against the cap, yet led the NFL with 20.88 yards per catch.
The review: It’s hard not to be impressed by what Jackson did in his first season with Washington. He provided the big plays the Redskins desired -- and was in position to make more. Not every deep ball will be completed, but the point is Jackson did what was expected. It’s rare to say that about a Redskins signing. Garcon’s production plummeted from 113 catches to 68, a byproduct of how he was used and poor quarterback play. However, the quarterbacks were the same as those who helped him get to 113 the previous year. Andre Roberts did not produce as hoped; he impressed quarterbacks with his route running in training camp. But he was an inconsistent target (and blocker for that matter). Grant made little impact; they didn’t need him but he at least did have a good summer.
The outlook: If the top three targets return, the Redskins still have a good group of wideouts. However, they still lack a big receiver. Garcon plays bigger because of his strength, but they don’t have anyone returning over 6-foot. It’s not just helpful in the red zone, it’s helpful on third downs. If tight end Jordan Reed is healthy (always a big if), then he’s a bigger target. But the Redskins have a smaller group on the outside. Grant is small as well and not strong. My question with these wideouts: How will they handle another year with inconsistent quarterback play? (Assuming, for a third straight year, that’s what they receive). Both Garcon and Jackson are emotional, passionate players -- that’s a good thing at times, but can lead to great frustrations at other times. But they do have two quality receivers in Garcon and Jackson. They do need Roberts to play better; he was just a guy last year and that’s not what was expected when they signed him on the first day in free agency. As for Hankerson and Moss, I know the Redskins feel Hankerson can still play but his durability is a constant issue. I also know other teams are intrigued by him. As for Moss, he’s been one of my all-time favorites because of his professionalism, but he’s 35 and just isn’t in the plans.
Key question: What do they do with Garcon? He’s going to count $9.7 million against the salary cap and he’s coming off a season in which he caught just 68 passes. As of a week or so ago, there had been no movement toward re-doing his contract. It’s not as if Garcon can’t play; there are ways the Redskins could improve on getting him the ball -- I like him a lot on screens. He’s a stronger runner after the catch than most because he’s fearless and has good speed. He’s still an excellent blocker. Garcon still has value.
Stat that must improve: Roberts was tied for 130th with his receptions percentage of 50 (72 targets, 36 receptions).
Stat that surprised me: The Redskins led the NFL with 2,491 yards after the catch, according to ESPN Stats & Information. And they were tied for second fewest drops in the NFL with 14.
Potential free-agent options: Well, if they hold onto Garcon then there’s not much need to sign anyone other than a receiver who would be a fourth or fifth option. This is a strong free-agent class, but often times the agents for receivers will steer them away from teams with quarterback situations such as Washington’s. It would be wiser to re-do Garcon’s contract. Also, this is another deep draft for receivers so if the Redskins want to add depth they can do it that way.
