The Redskins drafted two big receivers (Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly) last April and they should provide a nice balance with the mighty mites (Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle-El). Santana Moss is the home run hitter for the Redskins as he is lightning fast and he’s tough for his size. Moss played in 14 games for the Redskins last season and he caught 61 passes for 808 yards (13.2 avg) with 3 TD grabs. He also carried the ball 3 times for 13 yards (4.3 ypc) last season. Moss will likely not have to venture over the middle of the field much with Thomas and Kelly aboard for 2008 which should help him limit the beating he usually has to take. Moss should have a huge 2008 season as long as he can stay healthy. Moss has now played in 95 games in his NFL career and he has caught 351 passes for 5,497 yards (15.7 avg) with 37 TD grabs. Moss has also carried the football 37 times for 219 yards (5.9 ypc) in his career.
28-year old Antwaan Randle El is a unique weapon as he can catch the ball, throw the ball, run the ball and return kicks. Randle El played in 15 games for the Redskins last season and he caught 51 passes for 728 yards (14.3 avg) with 1 TD grab. He also carried the ball 4 times for -3 yards (-0.8 ypc) last season. Look for Randle El to catch less passes in 2008 but for the Redskins to use him more on gadget plays which are usually effective when he is involved. Randle El has now played in 95 games in his NFL career and he has caught 245 passes for 3,091 yards (12.6 avg) with 11 TD grabs. Randle El also has carried the football 77 times for 431 yards (5.6 ypc) in his career. Look for Randle El to throw the ball a few times this season as he’s very effective when doing it. He has completed 17 of 21 passes (81%) in his NFL career for 235 yards with 3 TD passes and 0 interceptions (152.9 QB Rating).
Rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly will likely be the #3 and #4 WRs for the Redskins this season. Thomas is 6′2″, 218 pounds but he doesn’t have a lot of playing experience. He played in 13 games (12 starts) at Michigan State last season and he caught 79 passes for 1,260 yards (15.9 avg) with 8 TD grabs. Thomas might have a harder learning curve than Kelly because doesn’t have the same amount of experience. But, he no doubt has big time talent and the Redskins’ offense will benefit from having him on board. Thomas finished his career at Michigan State having played in 23 games (12 starts) in which he caught 85 passes for 1,350 yards (15.9 avg) with 9 TD grabs.
6′4″, 219 pound Malcolm Kelly is a physical specimen and he should definately help bring toughness to the Redskins’ WR corps. Kelly played in 14 games (12 starts) at Oklahoma and he caught 49 passes for 821 yards (16.8 avg) with 9 TD grabs. Look for Kelly to have a good rookie season for the Redskins as I’m betting on him to be the #3 WR in 2008. Kelly finished his career at Oklahoma playing in 39 games (31 starts) in which he caught 144 passes for 2,285 yards (15.9 avg) with 21 TD grabs.
33-year old James Thrash is still around for the Redskins. The old vet appears to be slowing down a bit at his advancing age. Thrash played in 12 games for the Redskins last season and he caught 9 passes for 107 yards (11.9 avg) with 2 TD grabs. He’s just trying to hang onto his job now and it might be hard to do with all of the talented kids the Redskins have brought in. Thrash has now played in 149 games in his NFL career and he has caught 281 passes for 3,565 yards (12.7 avg) with 21 TD grabs. Thrash has also carried the ball 41 times for 362 yards (8.8 ypc) with 2 TD runs in his career.
25-year old Anthony Mix will likely battle Thrash for 1 roster spot. Mix is a big guy at 6′5″, 235 pounds but he was caught in a numbers game with the Giants. He played in only 4 games last season (his first in the NFL) for the Giants and he caught 3 passes for 39 yards (13.o avg).
PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON: C+
