NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
The Washington Football Team will take the field Saturday at 6 PM against the Baltimore Ravens. This will be the final preseason game before rosters get cut down to 53 players. One position full of controversy is wide receiver. Fans have speculated which receivers should make the team. Unlike in the past, this position group is somewhat deep.
The Locks
Terry McLaurin
For the first time in McLaurin’s career, he will not be the sole weapon at wide receiver. He also has a quarterback that will push the ball downfield. As a result, I expect big numbers from Terry in 2021. Somehow, he was left out of the NFL’s Top 100 list. I don’t believe that will happen again after this year. [pickup_prop id=”10308″]
Curtis Samuel
Samuel was a huge signing for Washington in the offseason. They had lacked a true number two receiver for years. Samuel’s career had been a bit disappointing his first three seasons. However, in 2020, the new coaching staff used him primarily in the slot. His receiving grade improved from 63 to 76.4. If he can stay healthy, McLaurin and Samuel will be a lethal duo.
Dyami Brown
The 83rd overall pick has generated a lot of hype. Many believed Brown was a second-round pick. Instead, he fell to the third before Washington pulled the trigger. In two preseason games, Brown has managed just a 59.9 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus. Nonetheless, Dyami has a ton of potential and has impressed at camp.
On the Line
Adam Humphries
Many view Humphries as a lock to make the team. He was brought in since he and Fitzpatrick had chemistry. The last time they played together was in 2018 when Humphries hauled in 76 receptions for over 800 yards. However, in two games, the Fitzpatrick/Humphries connection has been weak. He has only managed one reception on five targets. If this connection doesn’t pick up, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rivera go with a younger receiver.
Antonio Gandy-Golden
I loved the AGG pick in the 2020 draft. Unfortunately, his rookie campaign was plagued by an injury that only allowed him to play six games. After a quiet first game, AGG hauled in all three of his targets for 38 yards. He also snagged the two-point conversion to make it a seven-point game. Rivera mentioned how they were happy with his bounce back. It is unlikely he gives up on his fourth-round pick after just one season.
Cam Sims
Sims came on strong at the end of 2020. He was a crucial reason why Washington took down the undefeated Steelers in week 13. The wide receiver room is much stronger than it was last season, so Sims isn’t a lock to make the roster. One factor to look at is that Sims does not play much on special teams. The last receiver or two to make this roster might be the ones who can play special teams.
Dax Milne
Milne is an interesting player. When asked what has impressed him about Milne, Rivera said, “He got here, and it wasn’t too big for him. That was one of the first things that stood out. Secondly, is he’s very competitive. He competes all the time. He’s a very bright, smart football player, and he’s got a skill set that suits us very well.” Milne can play on special teams, which boosts his possibility of making the team. He has also taken reps with the first-team offense in recent weeks. I believe there is a good chance Milne makes the 53.
Likely Not Making it
Isaiah Wright
Wright ended the 2020 season with a 57.4 receiving grade. He has not separated himself from anyone during camp, so it is unlikely he makes the 53 man roster. He does offer some ability to play on special teams. However, I don’t believe it will be enough.
DeAndre Carter
Carter is the most likely to make the team in the “Likely not making it” list. If he makes it, it will be for his abilities on special teams. He has done well with the few opportunities he’s received as a returner. However, his ineffectiveness as a wide receiver makes me believe Rivera will look somewhere else.
Tony Brown
Not much to say about Brown. It was unlikely he was going to make the team going into camp. He has played just 14 snaps through two games.
Prediction
1. Terry McLaurin
2. Curtis Samuel
3. Dyami Brown
4. Antonio Gandy-Golden
5. Adam Humphries
6. Cam Sims
7. Dax Milne
