The Washington Football Team’s wide receiver room is largely unproven and inexperienced. Arguably its one of the weakest receiving groups in the NFL. Terry McLaurin is their lone proven option.
The former Ohio State Buckeye made a splash as a rookie, leading Washington in catches (58), receiving yards (919) and touchdowns (7) last year. Outside of his talents, the rest of Washington’s group is a huge mystery. Wide receiver coach Jim Hostler admitted Thursday, after McLaurin he has “no idea” what he has in the other wideouts.
Including McLaurin, all but one of Washington’s active wide receivers has been in the league more than three seasons — recently signed Dontrelle Inman. Kelvin Harmon tore his ACL in an off-season workout and is out for the season. His absence opens up a hole for their No. 2 and No. 3 option.
Steven Sims Jr., who flashed as primarily in the slot last year as rookie, may have a step ahead of the rest of the group. But, fourth-round pick Antonio Gandy-Golden has solid speed, size, and hands to compete for one of the top-3 spots on the depth chart.
Other notables in the group include oft-injured Trey Quinn, who is entering his third year with the team, Cam Sims and Darvin Kidsy. None of which are household names and certain to emerge as a viable option this season.
Pros and Cons of having a group of young receivers
Washington has a rare situation as their top three targets at wide receiver were all rookies last year — Sims, Harmon and McLaurin. All the while getting majority of their passes from a then-rookie quarterback in Dwayne Haskins. The pros are they get to grow and develop together. The cons, there will be mistakes along the way due to their inexperience.
Hostler touched on the the challenges he faces with the group, including replacing Harmon.
Antonio Gandy-Golden plays faster than his 40 time
Antonio Gandy-Golden is a big physical receiver at 6-foot-4, 223 pounds. He ran a 4.6 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, but Hostler said the former Liberty star plays faster than his clocked time.
Hostler said that rookie Antonio Gandy-Golden plays faster than his 40-time, which was 4.6 seconds at the combine.
Hostler said he’s staying with guys during workouts that run 4.3— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 6, 2020
Hostler’s comments make sense. Gandy-Golden averaged 16.2 yards per reception in college. His ability to break away from defenders helped him amass 2,433 receiving yards in two seasons at Liberty.
His frame, stride, and deceptive speed could go a long way into him becoming a target of choice behind McLaurin for whoever is Washington’s starting QB in 2020.
Antonio Gibson ‘Comfortable’ working with wide receivers
Washington drafted Antonio Gibson in the third round this year as a running back. But, he played wide receiver primarily in college at Memphis. Hostler said Gibson’s wide receiver background allows him to be “comfortable” working with the wide receivers in the early stages of training camp.
Hostler said that Antonio Gibson is comfortable working with the receivers because “it’s natural” for him. Called him a “matchup issue” for the defense that the team needs to take advantage of.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) August 6, 2020
Gibson is intriguing. Washington envisions him as a Swiss Army Knife caliber running back. One that can run the football and help the passing game much like Christian McCaffrey did under offensive coordinator Scott Turner in Carolina.
Last week Washington running backs coach Randy Jordan said Gibson was splitting his time with both the running backs and wide receivers. Given the loss of Harmon and the uncertainty at wide receiver, Gibson’s versatility can help aid the passing game.
