The Hog Sty’s 2019 Redskins Draft Preview: Wide Receivers Part Two
Washington’s need for a dynamic receiver has been in existence since the void former Redskin’ Desean Jackson left following the 2016 season. Big play wide out Paul Richardson first season in Washington was underwhelming for a couple reasons, stemming from injuries to inadequate quarterback play prior to his injured reserve stint. Richardson was meant to fill the void the Redskins and head coach Jay Gruden had offensively, but now this off-season, they head into free agency and draft with the need for more firepower at the position. Here, we examine wide receiver prospects for the upcoming 2019 NFL Draft. See our previous write up here.
Riley Ridley (22 years old): University of Georgia, 6’2, 200 lbs.
Data courtesy CFB at Sports-Reference.com.
Ridley’s explosion is very impressive along with his agility. His explosion and agility allow him to stop and start suddenly; however, given he consistently lines up on one side of the field he may be limited in the routes he will run. That potential issue still does hinder him for the tools he possesses, his awareness helps him beat defenders in man and zone coverage, he will need to become more creative and have more set-ups when facing more skilled man defenders. It will all translate well in the pros, the route-running, and awareness, as he will likely get the experience he needs to play in multiple positions at wideout.
Things Ridley will have to sure up as he moves up to the next level is his hands. Although his hands seemed more impressive in his junior year, and his body control is just as impressive, Ridley will get tested on the boundaries with contact and difficult catch attempts. He also needs to work on his release, as mentioned earlier, it is imperative that he develops more set-ups and have some creativity when facing skilled man defenders.
Overall, Ridley is an explosive receiver that will immediately be looked upon as a number one option for the Redskins. Obviously he will need to continue his development and has a ways to go before becoming one of the better receivers in the game. However, Ridley is capable of playing outside the hashes and the slot receiver as well. He has big-play potential and can win downfield too. Expect Ridley to be drafted some time within the first two rounds.
Tyre Brady (23 years old): Marshall University, 6’3, 201 lbs.
Data courtesy CFB at Sports-Reference.com.
Brady benefits from great hands and quickness as a wide receiver. His quickness benefits him when needing to create separation and has the toughness and hand strength to make difficult catches and catches in traffic. At 6’3, he possesses pro-caliber explosiveness that teams need as depth.
Brady’s build causes him to struggle in physical situations at the line of scrimmage. He is not the best receiver against press coverage, can get knocked around very easily, and has displayed the inability to be an adequate blocker.
Tyre Brady is not the number one caliber receiver that the Redskins needs; Brady would serve as a depth player to be able to compete with the younger players in Cam Sims, Robert Davis, and Trey Quinn. Wherever he would be drafted, and in this scenario to Washington, he would be able to increase his value if he performs well on special teams too.
Kelvin Harmon (21 years old): North Carolina State University, 6’3, 214 lbs.
Data courtesy CFB at Sports-Reference.com.
Harmon is a receiver that wins primarily with his effort and physicality. His hands are respectable, but his ball skills are excellent, can challenge the best defenders in a contested pass situation and is a versatile athlete. Before the throw, Harmon is a capable receiver against the press with quick feet and a solid burst at the line of scrimmage. Unlike Brady, Harmon’s frame and physicality are displayed in the run game; he is an outstanding blocker.
Harmon is not a speed receiver; however with his play, it is not too much of a weakness, the speed he has is respectable. Harmon does struggle after the catch to a degree though and can work on developing his route running ability. Not many weaknesses and the few he has can very quickly be improved upon with professional tutelage.
Harmon’s skill set would work well with Washington. Although Cam Sims displays the potential of the physical, explosive, big-body receiver, Harmon can come in and contribute to the same cause. Harmon is pro-ready as it stands and can contribute to anyone’s team as the number two receiver, and if he proves to have a high ceiling, can become a number one target for an offense.