SOW| Breaking Down the State of the Redskins: Wide Receivers (w/ WR Depth Chart)

[rd421]

Is it July yet? This silence is killing me.

With about four and a half weeks until the Redskins kick off 2012 training camp, blog topics are at a premium. Mix in a few busy weeks at my day job, and that adds up to a bit more dead air then you normally would have on SOW.

But don’t worry–we haven’t gone anywhere.

Over the next few weeks as training camp approaches, we are going to break down each position unit (one each on offense and defense per week, plus special teams), highlighting players added, players lost, and players who could be on the way out.

We call it “State of the Redskins”

Welcome to the first entry in the series. We’ll start off with a bang by evaluating a unit that went under a MAJOR (and much needed) overhaul this offseason – wide receivers.

Let’s be clear from the jump: the DC wide-outs have been pretty horrible since George Bush was president – the first George Bush. This once proud unit, once manned by dynamic playmakers that inspired nick-names like the Fun Bunch and the Smurfs, has been about as fun to watch over the last few years as a game of hopscotch.

So what will the 2012 squad look like? Who is still here and who could/should be on the way out?

Key Departures

The Redskins are minus a few guys from the 2011 squad, but let’s not kid ourselves here; losing Donte’ Stallworth and David Anderson (if you even remember him) isn’t going to be backbreaker. Both players failed to have any sort of dramatic impact on the 2011 squad, and most anyone would gladly swap the departed duo for Garcon and Morgan (even when injured).

If there is a “big name” that is no longer on the roster, it would be last year’s leading receiver, Jabar Gaffney. Gaffney was brought in as a security blanket for starting QB Rex Grossman, and he was acquired for little more than a ham sandwich. With injuries to Santana Moss and Leonard Hankerson, Gaffney got his chance to shine, setting career highs in catches, yards and TDs. Once free agency started, it was pretty clear that Jabar was not in the Redskins’ long term plans, and he was released shortly after his now infamous Twitter meltdown.

Once Rex was replaced by RG3, Gaffney seemed to be the odd man out in a more youthful offensive scheme that is expected to be explosive. The Shanahans are looking for guys that can produce big plays, specifically with yards after the catch. Even though Gaffney was knocking on the door of a thousand yard season, his YAC was almost non-existent. Generally, I would never want to lose a thousand-yard receiver, but in this case, I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

Key Additions

Entering this offseason, the front office made it clear that they wanted to make changes at WR. They succeeded in adding big play potential at the position by being extremely aggressive early in free agency, adding veterans Pierre Garcon and Joshua Morgan.

Garçon reminds me of RG3’s former Baylor teammate, Kendal Wright. His similar skill set should give Griffin a level of comfort and familiarity on Sundays. I’m not saying it’s an instant, perfect fit, and of course we won’t know how this will work until we get into some preseason games in August. But really it can’t hurt his transition, and Garcon’s speed should stretch defenses and give RG3 more options than his predecessors had.

Morgan is more in the mold of a true possession receiver. With great hands and the ability to make tough catches, he has a totally different skill set from Garcon. Assuming he can get (and stay) healthy, he should make a pretty big impact on this offense.

Returning Players

This is where things get interesting. If you had asked me in March if Santana Moss would be a Redskin come July, I would have laughed you out of the DMV. With Moss’ diminishing production and high cap number headed into 2012, things looked bleak for the longtime fan favorite.

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[superozman]

Good read.

The only spots i disagree are the one where we won't miss Gaffney. I don't mind letting Gaffney go, whatsoever, but I think we will miss a possession reciever if Hankerson isn't what we hope his is. But like you said, we might not miss him because Hank fills that no problem.

I disagree with you that Morgan is a possesion reciever - he's listed at 6'1", but his verticle is only 36" right now. We all hope it gets back up, but its not a given. He's also a known for more of being a speedy WR from all I've read/heard/seen. That together doesn't equal "posession reciever".

What I personally am afraid of, is what we've seen before. Try to re-invent the smurfs and have Moss/Randle El/Patton/Lloyd as smaller-quick recievers. Then we fiend for someone like Anthony Mix becuase OMFGJIMP he's 6'4", because the small WR's can't do everything.

So in my opinion, this Garcon, Moss, Morgan (Armstrong, Austin/Robinson) plan relies heavily on a HEALTHY and capable Hankerson.

And Moss, for me, I think people always fall for that "I root for the backup" thing. I don't know how else to explain it. Last year, through an injury riddled season, he put up a similar year to 06-07, a few less receptions (9), but simlar 1st down rec, same YAC, but his y/rec was less. In 10-11, he has the most rec, 2nd most yards, t-2nd most tds, most rec for 1st down, t-2nd high yac of his career - but we just right him off over money? I never once thought that Moss would be off this team. He has 2 years left on his deal, and a salary of only 2.6 million or something.

[redskindan07]

I think our top 4 WRs look promising

[rd421]

Good read.

The only spots i disagree are the one where we won't miss Gaffney. I don't mind letting Gaffney go, whatsoever, but I think we will miss a possession reciever if Hankerson isn't what we hope his is. But like you said, we might not miss him because Hank fills that no problem.

I disagree with you that Morgan is a possesion reciever - he's listed at 6'1", but his verticle is only 36" right now. We all hope it gets back up, but its not a given. He's also a known for more of being a speedy WR from all I've read/heard/seen. That together doesn't equal "posession reciever".

What I personally am afraid of, is what we've seen before. Try to re-invent the smurfs and have Moss/Randle El/Patton/Lloyd as smaller-quick recievers. Then we fiend for someone like Anthony Mix becuase OMFGJIMP he's 6'4", because the small WR's can't do everything.

So in my opinion, this Garcon, Moss, Morgan (Armstrong, Austin/Robinson) plan relies heavily on a HEALTHY and capable Hankerson.

And Moss, for me, I think people always fall for that "I root for the backup" thing. I don't know how else to explain it. Last year, through an injury riddled season, he put up a similar year to 06-07, a few less receptions (9), but simlar 1st down rec, same YAC, but his y/rec was less. In 10-11, he has the most rec, 2nd most yards, t-2nd most tds, most rec for 1st down, t-2nd high yac of his career - but we just right him off over money? I never once thought that Moss would be off this team. He has 2 years left on his deal, and a salary of only 2.6 million or something.

The questions about Moss were beyond just the money. The bottom line with him though is that he has impressed Shanaham IMO he's good to

go.

[Darth Tater]

The questions about Moss were beyond just the money. The bottom line with him though is that he has impressed Shanaham IMO he's good to

go.

Any questions about Moss had nothing whatsoever to do with money if you thought we were going to move him before June. Until this month it would have a net cost of about 2M to move him. After June 1 and until the regular season, the net savings is about 1M (of course. that's not considering the 1.67M he'd add to 2013 cap usage).

[Dick Edds]

nice work ... fairly objective and reasonable observations and opinions.

[Momma There Goes That Man]

Why you gotta hate on hopscotch man?

Good article though. I definitely expect good numbers from Garcon and Moss in the slot. It is just hard to count on two guys coming off significant injuries like Morgan and Hankerson. I think getting one of them back to full health(staying there) and contributing in a big way would be a nice surprise. As a whole, I think we need to temper expectations for these two. it's not easy coming back thats all.

I know both are on track and doing well but there is a lot more to it than that. They seem focused and dedicated though so he is hoping to future success for both.

---------- Post added June-26th-2012 at 03:46 PM ----------

Any questions about Moss had nothing whatsoever to do with money if you thought we were going to move him before June. Until this month it would have a net cost of about 2M to move him. After June 1 and until the regular season, the net savings is about 1M (of course. that's not considering the 1.67M he'd add to 2013 cap usage).

Yep, always thought it made more sense to at least give him one more year and see what happens before a bigger cap hit next year, unless things got really tight with the cap penalty mess.

[Hitman21ST]

Good breakdown SOW.

I really think that our WRs could become like the Giants WR corps of a few years ago. Nobody really knew much about them or thought they would be any good, now they are considered one of the best in the league. Garcon and Hank could make for a very dangerous 1-2 combination, made all the more deadly with Davis and Paul at Tight End and Helu catching passes out of the backfield.

[rk3025]

This year's salary for Moss is $4,817,000 and next year it is $6,317,000 and he did not stay in Florida like he normally does.If he can catch and not have drops, then he will certainly help RG3 with his route running.He does not do Special Teams or block as well as Cooley and Hightower but has speed and is healthy.

[sportjunkie07]

garcon

moss

hankerson

morgan

robinson

banks

say goodbye to armstrong and austin, both have had chances and havent shown enough to warrant taking the place of the other guys on the list or been a big factor on special teams.

robinson didnt do much last year, but word is he is a hard worker and plays well in practice. he should get a good look this year in preseason and will likely have enough famliarity with the system to beat out the rooks (who will join the practice squad)

and im not really sure how banks is going to fit on this roster. perhaps as the last wr and the returner. barring any discipline problems, i still think he'll be around for this season as well.

im glad that the coaches moved paul to TE. we have a logjam of young guys at wr and i didnt want to lose him.

[authentic]

garcon

moss

hankerson

morgan

robinson

banks

say goodbye to armstrong and austin, both have had chances and havent shown enough to warrant taking the place of the other guys on the list or been a big factor on special teams.

robinson didnt do much last year, but word is he is a hard worker and plays well in practice. he should get a good look this year in preseason and will likely have enough famliarity with the system to beat out the rooks (who will join the practice squad)

and im not really sure how banks is going to fit on this roster. perhaps as the last wr and the returner. barring any discipline problems, i still think he'll be around for this season as well.

im glad that the coaches moved paul to TE. we have a logjam of young guys at wr and i didnt want to lose him.

because Shanny came out publicly and stated that Banks need to contribute @ WR in order to make the team, then i would bump Armstrong over him. This is because Armstrong has contributed on ST and WR. Banks however, from a WR stand point, is probably LAST on the WR depth chart.

[Mahons21]

I've always loved me some moss, but I think we overrate him as a slot receiver. IMO he's better suited to playing out wide, too many gator armed tips into the air and fumbles on traffic.

[rd421]

There is about zero chance that Banks makes the team over Armstrong. He has no value at WR to date he won't hang around again just to return.

[authentic]

There is about zero chance that Banks makes the team over Armstrong. He has no value at WR to date he won't hang around again just to return.

I agree, i believe Banks is gone!

[Est.1974]

Pretty sure that Allen said that we are expecting to keep 6 WR and 4 TE..

What's the chances a guy like Reliford emerges at TE, so we keep Davis, Cooley, Paulsen and him at TE,

Paul then makes the team in the group of 6 WR's with Garcon, Morgan, Hankerson, Moss & Robinson.....yet Paul still gives the flexibility to line up at TE.

I think if Shanny is happy with that set of 5 WR's (excluding Paul), a younger talent at TE may make the team.

If he feels players like AA and Austin can't develop further, and that they are unlikely to win out a spot over his top 5 WR's anytime soon, he may take a chance on the extra TE, especially given Cooley may be done here post 2012.

[superozman]

I think Banks has a legit shot to make it over some other WR's (Armstrong, Robinson, etc). His KR ability can be utilized on the field in offensive sets (bubble screens, short passes aimed for YAC, etc) and he showed last year an arm that can get the defense on their toes.

He contributed more than Armstrong last year (KR+WR), more thank some of the other names flying around (Robinson, etc).

But I do think he needs to improve on his breakaway ability. only 1 TD in 2 years for a KR specialist? He better change that this year. He needs a 25+ average on returns with 2 td's to keep his job i'd say.

BUT PLEASE DONT BRING BACK ARE!!!!!

[Darth Tater]

This year's salary for Moss is $4,817,000 and next year it is $6,317,000 and he did not stay in Florida like he normally does.If he can catch and not have drops, then he will certainly help RG3 with his route running.He does not do Special Teams or block as well as Cooley and Hightower but has speed and is healthy.

Try 2,650,000 this year and 4,150,000 next at least according to http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/washington-redskins/santana-moss/. He did get a 5M signing bonus but that is prorated to about 1.67M per year. He also has 1M in other guarantees and though I'm not sure of the details but if we moved him off the roster now he'd still contribute over 3.5M to our cap use and at least another 500K in replacement.

[rd421]

For whoever implied that the fans are over hyping Moss in the slot. Here is Kyle Shanahan on what he sees at the slot this year

“It’s hard, because actually to me, it’s the first time we’ve got a few guys who are capable of that.* Josh [Morgan] and Hank [Leonard Hankerson] are very capable of that.* Santana Moss, I see as one of the premier guys in the NFL at that position.* So we have some depth there.* We have guys who I don’t think we miss a beat, whoever’s in there.* It could be play dependent, it could be just because of injuries, but it’s the first time I see a few guys who can do it, not just Santana [Moss].* All three of those guys are all fast enough to go outside also.* So when you have a situation like that, I don’t really have anything penciled in my mind.* Especially this time of the year, you like to let them all work it and usually when you’ve got guys who are all good, it plays itself out.”*

*

To say a guy is "premier" to me carries some weight.

[Hitman21ST]

Pretty sure that Allen said that we are expecting to keep 6 WR and 4 TE..

What's the chances a guy like Reliford emerges at TE' date=' so we keep Davis, Cooley, Paulsen and him at TE,

Paul then makes the team in the group of 6 WR's with Garcon, Morgan, Hankerson, Moss & Robinson.....yet Paul still gives the flexibility to line up at TE.

I think if Shanny is happy with that set of 5 WR's (excluding Paul), a younger talent at TE may make the team.

If he feels players like AA and Austin can't develop further, and that they are unlikely to win out a spot over his top 5 WR's anytime soon, he may take a chance on the extra TE, especially given Cooley may be done here post 2012.[/quote']

If Reliford actually works out and makes the 53, I think the odd man out will be Cooley - age, lack of speed, and cap hit all play a part. It would be Davis, Paul, Paulsen, and then Reliford (Cooley stays if Reliford doesn't make the roster).

The six WRs:

Garcon

Hankerson

Moss

Morgan

Robinson

Lance Lewis (I think he makes the roster over Banks, Armstrong, and Austin)

[rk3025]

Got these figures on thehogs.net. They are on Facebook and Twitter.

The hogs may be wrong?

---------- Post added June-26th-2012 at 06:50 PM ----------

Like his height and speed from East Carolina U and Lewis will keep quite in the huddle for RG3 to run. Armstrong, Austin and Banks have Bump problems in the first 5 yards. Robinson looks great this year.

[superozman]

For whoever implied that the fans are over hyping Moss in the slot. Here is Kyle Shanahan on what he sees at the slot this year

QUOTE]

It's about tyme he was overhyped, year in and year out he's the most reliable reciever on this team and peopel here have had it in their minds to cut him years ago! :pfft:

[Mahons21]

For whoever implied that the fans are over hyping Moss in the slot. Here is Kyle Shanahan on what he sees at the slot this year

“It’s hard, because actually to me, it’s the first time we’ve got a few guys who are capable of that.* Josh [Morgan] and Hank [Leonard Hankerson] are very capable of that.* Santana Moss, I see as one of the premier guys in the NFL at that position.* So we have some depth there.* We have guys who I don’t think we miss a beat, whoever’s in there.* It could be play dependent, it could be just because of injuries, but it’s the first time I see a few guys who can do it, not just Santana [Moss].* All three of those guys are all fast enough to go outside also.* So when you have a situation like that, I don’t really have anything penciled in my mind.* Especially this time of the year, you like to let them all work it and usually when you’ve got guys who are all good, it plays itself out.”*

*

To say a guy is "premier" to me carries some weight.

And last year mike said he'd hang his reputation on Rex beck.... I think moss is better suited to play outside, if you disagree with my reasoning feel free to explain why (in your own words).

I've seen too many passes tipped up in the air and fumbles in traffic.

[Darth Tater]

Got these figures on thehogs.net. They are on Facebook and Twitter.

The hogs may be wrong?

theHogs.net has the same numbers as sports trac have except they break out the other guarantees. Thus, before June 1, Moss would have contributed 4M to the cap this year and 500K next year if we'd cut him against a savings of about 2.65M for the year. Now if Moss was moved off the roster, he would contributes 2.17M to the cap no matter what and 500K next year against 2.65M saved. Until we go to the final roster, if Moss was moved, someone else would move up to hit the cap. According to thehogs.net numbers, Moss was safe from being a cap cut until after June 1 and is a cheap camp body at worse.

[mossomo]

Lance Lewis [makes 53]

Lewis is my sleeper choice too.

[Hitman21ST]

And last year mike said he'd hang his reputation on Rex beck.... I think moss is better suited to play outside, if you disagree with my reasoning feel free to explain why (in your own words).

Moss is the perfect build for a slot receiver. He has slowed down a little, so his speed isn't as much of a trump card for corners anymore. However, when going up against linebackers and safeties, his quickness is still an asset, and he can exploit the coverage weaknesses of said linebackers and safeties.