As the Washington Redskins get set to cut down their roster to 53 players, wide receiver is the biggest positional question on the team. The Redskins have a young but potentially good group of wide receivers with NFL-caliber talent. Head coach Jay Gruden admitted it will be tough while hinting the Redskins will likely only keep six receivers following final cuts.
That’s intriguing considering many expected the team to maybe go seven. It also shines the spotlight on the embattled former first-round pick Josh Doctson. His first three seasons with the Redskins have been nothing to write home about which played a factor in the team opting not to exercise a fifth-year option on the former TCU product.
Earlier this month, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reported the Redskins have been trying to trade Doctson the past two years. Ben Standig of the Athletic reported earlier this week, the Redskins hope to move Docston before their regular season opener at the Philadelphia Eagles.
What Washington does with Doctson will play a huge role in what six wide receivers make the team.
Paul Richardson is a lock as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver going into the season. Rookie Terry McLaurin, a third-round pick out of Ohio State, has impressed throughout training camp to earn a definitive spot. Trey Quinn is a lock as the starting slot receiver. But then that’s when things get interesting as the Redskins have as many as 10 NFL-caliber wide receivers on the 90-man roster. That includes veteran Brian Quick, who may be on the outside looking in with as much young talent as the Redskins have this year.
Docston could be the No. 4 wide receiver. If so, that means the Redskins would allow him to play out his fourth and final season on his rookie deal before potentially heading into free agency following the season. If not, they’ll definitely prefer trading him to recoup something for a failed first-round pick over simply cutting him.
Meanwhile, Steven Sims Jr. continues to impress. The undrafted rookie is versatile, as he can line up in the slot, on the outside, as well as special teams as a kick and punt returner. In Thursday’s preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens, Steven Sims Jr. stated a resounding case with a touchdown reception from Dwayne Haskins and a 40 yard kick return.
Then there is the other Sims — Cam, who has impressed in camp for the second straight year. Last season, he made the roster before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 1. This season he seems to be in good standing to make it in 2019, however, he struggled in the preseason finale with three drops.
Meanwhile, Robert Davis seems intent getting redemption after a gruesome leg injury robbed him of the 2018 season. Davis has returned healthy in 2019 and has been a standout throughout training camp and preseason, including two huge touchdown receptions.
Darvin Kidsy has made the most of his opportunities, leading the Redskins with 11 receptions and 118 receiving yards in the preseason. With his versatility, cutting him to get him back on the practice squad would be risky.
And then there is sixth-round pick of this year’s draft Kelvin Harmon. The NC State product has been shining throughout the preseason. His size and strength could go a long way. He has the potential of being an NFL starter, but will his journey have to start on a practice squad?
Washington has the next day and a half to mull over how they want to shape their 53-man roster. No other position on the team may be as difficult for Gruden and his staff as figuring out what six wide receivers to keep.
