2023 Washington Position Group Breakdown: Wide Receivers

May 26, 2023

by David Earl

The Returning Group

The returning group, led by Terry McLaurin, can be 3 deep if Dyami Brown takes the next step.  This would make this one of the deepest groups of wide receivers Washington has had in a very long time. You’d have to go back 6 years to compare depth and talent when the Redskins had Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, and Jamison Crowder. Seeing the growth last season in route running and coverage recognition in Jahan Dotson‘s game, Washington could realistically have two 1,000-yard wide receivers again as did the Redskins 2016 group with Garcon and Jackson. While Crowder was undoubtedly the more polished receiver than Curtis Samuel, he was never that all-purpose utility player Washington has in Samuel. Considering Washington’s lack of tight end talent, Samuel’s role in both the intermediate passing attack and the running game looks to be potentially vital for the running game. With that said, his lack of size underneath will be a potential liability where a bigger-bodied reliable tight end is the most valuable, especially in the red zone. If one of the tight ends, such as John Bates or Cole Turner, does not assume that role effectively, with the lack of size at wide receiver, Washington’s offense could have some real issues in the red zone. I won’t go into any more detail on the tight ends as that’s for another column, so let’s look at the returning receiver group heading into the 2023 season.

• Terry McLaurin: The unquestionable leader and one of the more reliable wide receivers in the NFL. Terry’s drop percentage (2.5%) is among the best in the league which tops players like Justin Jefferson (2.7%), Tyreek Hill (4.7%), Davante Adams (3.9%), and division rival AJ Brown (3.4%). His sure hands and precise route running will be vital for the growth of Sam Howell.
• Curtis Samuel: Samuel is Deebo Samuel-light for this offense and will most certainly carry some of the roles Tyreek Hill had when in Kansas City. His versatility as a running back and his ability to find openings underneath in the passing game will help provide a valuable check-down option. You see that in how he converts his average yards targeted of 7.1 into a potential first down play, which in resulted in his 10.3 yards per reception.
• Jahan Dotson: Unfortunately Jahan’s season was interrupted by injury but we saw a young rookie wide receiver who may very well become the best route runner on this team. He understands the presnap coverages and makes the appropriate adjustments, and can find the openings in the defense. Although his 9.8% drop rate is alarming, looking back on his college career, this number most likely is an aberration. Jahan and Terry can potentially make for one of the more dangerous wide receiver tandems in the league.
• Dyami Brown: s Although it is a small sample size, his 28.6 yards per reception average is a continuation of his final 2 seasons in college for North Carolina, where he averaged 20 yards per reception. His role will most likely be in the slot this season. While he may not be the ideal size, his ability to separate from defenders will make him dangerous on seam routes. Don’t allow the 0.0% drop rate to fool you, as the one aspect of his game is his moments of lapsing concentration where he will tend to drop some easy passes.
• The Rest: Dax Milne‘s 7.8 yards per return off 40 punt return opportunities will not help him to secure a roster spot. His impact on offense is certainly replaceable, as he averages 5.3 yards per target and 6.2 yards per reception. Kyric McGowan was a versatile player in college, averaging 12.1 yards per reception and 6.4 yards per carry, but his road to a roster spot will surely be a rough uphill battle.

The New Additions

• Marcus Kemp: In his 6-year career (5 with Kansas City), Marcus Kemp has totaled 4 receptions from 8 targets and 42 yards averaging 105 yards per reception. He is one of the few big-bodied wide receivers (6’4″) Washington has who spent the majority of his career on special teams. Eric Bieniemy clearly brought him on board to replace Cam Sims, not necessarily based on talent but familiarity with the offense. This might very well give him an inside track for one of the least roster spots.
• Kazmeir Allen: At 5’9″ and 175 lbs, this undrafted free agent may be undersized and will most likely be a utility gadget-type player on offense, but his true value will be on special teams. He was clocked at 4.53 seconds in the 40 yard dash on his pro day, but his game speed is evidently must faster in tape. He can be utilized as a gadget-type player in a slot receiver role and a running back. Last season with UCLA Allen started 8 games while recording 403 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns on 49 receptions.  As a runner, he averaged 13.5 yards per carry and had 2 touchdowns. His potential biggest impact for Washington is in the return game on special teams. There is plenty for fans to be excited about with Allen, about which Dax Milne should be worried.
• Jalen Sample: He is another undrafted free agent coming in at 6’4″ and 200lbs who carries a large catch radius and very natural receiving hands. He high points the ball very well but needs to utilize his leverage better. With a 40 yard dash time of 4.65 seconds, he is not the fastest player, but has quick feet out of his routes. He was a fairly productive player at Minnesota State University with 2021 being his best season.  In that season, he logged a stat line of 1,047 yards from 64 receptions and 8 touchdowns, while averaging 16.4 yards per catch. He is most likely a practice squad candidate.
• Mitchell Tinsley: Mitchell’s most productive year was at Western Kentucky, where he logged 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns from 87 receptions, and averaged 16.1 yards per catch. This undrafted free agent’s scouting report shows a smooth route runner and is a quarterback’s best friend in open space. He may have moments where he is double-catching passes, but he typically has reliable hands. He won’t always outrun the defenders as he doesn’t possess the desired breakaway speed. Mitchell is another practice squad receiver who could fill in admirably for an injured player.
• Zion Bowens and Brycen Tremane: Zion Bowens”(6’1″ and 200lbs) 3-year career at Hawaii totaled 896 yards from 52 receptions and 7 touchdowns, and averaged 17.2 yards per reception. In his 4-year career at Stanford University,  Brycen Tremane totaled 1,017 yards from 74 receptions and 11 touchdowns, and averaged 13.7 yards per reception. Each will be fighting for a practice squad position.