The Washington Redskins have defensive needs they must fill through the 2016 NFL draft, but they know they can land quality players after the first round. That allowed them to take a player they might not have otherwise, TCU receiver Josh Doctson, whom they selected No. 22 overall Thursday.
My take: The Redskins didn’t have an immediate need at receiver, with DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder their top three. However, both Jackson and Garcon are in the final year of their contracts, so this gives the Redskins a younger, cheaper alternative already in place -- and a talented one. Doctson gives quarterback Kirk Cousins another young weapon. If the Redskins keep both Garcon and Jackson, it certainly gives them insurance if something happens; the offense suffered when Jackson missed seven games last season. At 6-foot-2, Doctson offers good size -- the Redskins' tallest wideout is Garcon at 6-foot -- and does an excellent job going after the ball, allowing him to play a little taller. I wouldn’t call this a luxury pick, but general manager Scot McCloughan can say he stuck by his board and took the best available player. For a long time, even those in the organization who loved Doctson were convinced the Redskins wouldn’t draft him. But it’s a move that can provide big help.
Cap savings: The Redskins have only about $4 million in cap space available after signing corner Josh Norman last week. And they have two expensive receivers in Jackson ($9.25 million) and Garcon ($10.2 million). The Redskins like Garcon quite a bit, but cutting him would save the Redskins $8 million. However, a source said nothing will change for Garcon. If nothing else, the addition of Doctson allows the Redskins to move on after this season from either Garcon or Jackson. Also, by not needing to re-sign both players, and with a cheaper starting receiver in Doctson, the Redskins will have more money available to sign other key free agents such as Cousins, tight end Jordan Reed, linebacker Junior Galette and defensive end Chris Baker. They can cut receiver Andre Roberts and save $3 million (or $4 million if it’s designated post-June 1).
A.J. Green comparison: The Redskins met with Doctson only one time, at the scouting combine, for 15 minutes. But he has definitely had his fans in the organization for a long time. Redskins coach Jay Gruden, though, saw something on tape that looked familiar, which is why he said Doctson reminded him in some ways of his former Bengals receiver, A.J. Green. Though Doctson is 2 inches shorter than Green, Gruden said Doctson has “the same type of body control and the ability to high-point” the ball. The Redskins lack a player with that height and leaping ability, and it should make Doctson a threat in the red zone. He said his game begins with the “most dominant trait a receiver should have, and that’s catching the football.”
What’s next: The Redskins have one pick in the second round (No. 53) and another in the third round (No. 84). Last year the Redskins did well with their second-round pick, linebacker Preston Smith. They selected running back Matt Jones in the third and, as of now, he’s their No. 1 back. Washington still wants to add more picks, so don’t be surprised if the Redskins actively try to make another deal.