National Football League

Midseason Grades For The Washington Redskins Wide Receivers

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:34 a.m. ET

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Oct 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins were supposed to have a strong receiver group coming into the season. Has that changed through half of the year?

The Washington Redskins had one of the most intriguing receiving corps’ in the league coming into the year. They had a unique mix of young talent and proven veterans, and there were many who thought they would be one of the best in the league.

Through half of a season, the jury is still out on some of the Redskins players. They have some good performers, and some bad. Without further ado, let’s have a look at the midseason grades for the Redskins receiving corps.

Oct 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Rashad Ross (19) makes a catch before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Rashad Ross

Going into the 2016 season, it Rashad Ross was likely to be the Redskins’ primary return man and a depth receiver. He was coming off of a season where he averaged 24.4 yards per return and recorded a touchdown as well. He looked like he had a chance to develop into really good special teams player.

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That has not been the case thus far. Ross has not been given a chance to do much in terms of returns. Jamison Crowder has been manning punts while Chris Thompson and Will Blackmon have been dealing with kickoffs. As a result, Ross has really lost his role. In fact, he has not logged a single special teams snap. That is not good news for his future.

For now, Ross is just the fifth receiver for Washington, and not much else. He barely plays at all and it is safe to wonder whether or not the team will look to keep him beyond this season. For that reason, Ross deserves a failing grade.

Ross’ Midseason Grade: F

Next: Ryan Grant

Oct 23, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Ryan Grant (14) attempts to make a catch against Detroit Lions strong safety Tavon Wilson (32) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Lions won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Grant

Ryan Grant was supposed to be the do-it-all backup for the Redskins this year.  He was coming off of a season where he thrived as the fourth receiver in the passing attack, and it was expected that he would reprise that role in 2016. Grant has, but he has not had as much success.

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Grant is still the fourth receiver for the Redskins, but he is far from the four option in the passing attack. With the addition of Vernon Davis and the emergence of Chris Thompson, the team has not needed Grant as much. For that reason, his production has declined and he only has three catches at the midseason point.

However, Grant has been guilty of some mistakes as well. Grant has been targeted eight times but he only has the three catches. He has been guilty of some brutal drops, including one very bad one where he was wide open. He could have turned it into a big gain, but he just could not hold on to it.

Grant’s saving grace has been that he plays on special teams. He has fared well in that facet, and that saves his season from being a complete bust. Still, he has not done too well, so he will not get a very good grade.

Grant’s Midseason Grade: D+

Next: DeSean Jackson

Sep 25, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) catches a touchdown pass in front of New York Giants corner back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

DeSean Jackson

Since DeSean Jackson has come to the Redskins, he has been considered their No. 1 option. That was the case coming into the season, but Jackson has not quite lived up to those expectations.

Jackson had a 100+ yard receiving in the opening week of the season, but since then he has not done as much. On the season, Jackson only has 30 catches for 416 yards. He has as many catches as he had all of last season, he missed six games with injuries, but he has not been as explosive. In fact, his 13.9 yards per catch average would be a career low if he keeps going at that rate.

Perhaps these numbers are indicative of a change in the overall style of Jackson’s play. He is a 30 year old receiver, so maybe he is not as quick as he once was. He may have to fight for catches more than he used to, which will make life a bit harder for him. Jackson has the skill set to be an effective receiver, but his days as the top option may be done.

Still, Jackson has flashed at points this season. He has been far from perfect, and he has not been consistent, but he has helped the team more than he has hurt them. Jackson does not deserve to be docked too much for the issues he has had.

Jackson’s Midseason Grade: B-

Next: Pierre Garcon

Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) carries the ball after a catch as Cleveland Browns defensive back Briean Boddy-Calhoun (20) defends during the second half at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Pierre Garcon

When people talk about Pierre Garcon, one word always comes up: consistent. The veteran is about as steady as they come in terms of being a productive receiver. He has been a great No. 2 option during his career, and has really been a great possession receiver during his time in Washington.

Thus far in 2016, Garcon is averaging 4.5 catches per game for about 50 yards. He has been targeted by Cousins in bursts, but he has always been there for the quarterback. He started the season off slowly before coming on. Garcon has continued to be a strong option and that is about all the team can ask of him.

For the rest of the season, Garcon will continue to be solid. He always has been, and he always will be. The Redskins have to be happy with how he has played to start the season.

Garcon’s Midseason Grade: B

Next: Jamison Crowder

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) is tackled during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

Jamison Crowder

Jamison Crowder is quickly becoming into one of the best players on the Redskins offense. The second year player has caught fire this year and is on pace to have a huge year. Crowder could easily go over the 1,000 yard mark and may be the team’s No. 1 receiver by the end of the year.

Crowder has simply been magnificent. He has turned into one of Cousins’ favorite weapons, patrolling the middle of the field. He has been able to use his athleticism to constantly get open and beat opposing players with his speed. The game breaking speed he possesses has allowed him to make some huge plays, including a big punt return touchdown that helped the team beat the Ravens.

Aside from his middle of the field prowess, Crowder has been able to make plays on the outside as well. Despite his 5-foot-8 frame, he can matchup against any defensive back and will always have the chance to beat them. That is a skill that the team has to appreciate.

Crowder is going to be fun to watch in the second half of the season. Considering that Jackson and Garcon are free agents following the season, the Skins are going to have to make a decision about what to do with them. Crowder’s performance will allow them to make a choice that is beneficial to the team.

Crowder’s Midseason Grade: A-

Next: Overall Positional Grade

Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) is held by Cleveland Browns defensive back Joe Haden (23) while attempting to catch a pass in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Overall Receivers Grade

For those wondering where Josh Doctson is, he was graded in this piece. Here is a little preview of it:

Again, you can check out that article here!

The Redskins receiving corps was supposed to be a big strength for them. Thus far, the unit has not lived up to the expectations. Maybe that was impossible, given how lofty they were.

Still, the team does have some highly productive receivers so they cannot be too unhappy. This really is a split unit and it is easy to see which players have been the best. The younger players have not done as well, with the exception of Crowder. Overall, that is not too surprising.

At the end of the day, the Washington receivers have been good. They have not be great, but they have been good enough. That is not enough to get them a grade that is anything besides slightly above average.

Overall Positional Grade: B-

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