Redskins Notes: Doctson, Baker, P. Smith

What kind of expectations should the Redskins set for rookie Josh Doctson? Many are excited about what the TCU product can do at the next level, but he’ll also be vying for catches against wide receivers Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, and Jamison Crowder plus star tight end Jordan Reed. At 6’2″, Doctson stands as Washington’s tallest receiver and he can cover even more space with his leaping ability. Reed should receive extra attention from opposing defenses in the red zone, so Doctson could be the team’s Plan B for touchdowns thanks to his range.

Looking beyond 2016, the Redskins are hoping that Doctson can serve as the team’s WR1 or WR2 in the future as they are expected to move on from DeSean Jackson and/or Pierre Garcon after this season. In the interim, the Redskins boast one of the league’s deepest receiving cores, particularly if you include Reed.

Here’s more out of D.C.:

  • Right now, running back Keith Marshall appears to be right on the Redskins’ roster bubble, Rich Tandler of CSNMidAtlantic.com writes. Marshall’s participation in OTAs was slowed by nagging injuries, but his speed obviously helps his case with Washington coaches. Marshall will have a tougher time making the 53-man cut if the team signs Pierre Thomas, Tandler notes, but it’s not clear if the Redskins are still considering the veteran. As of late May, the Redskins were interested in signing Thomas, who spent four games with the squad in 2015. Beyond Marshall, Tandler writes that tailbacks Mack Brown and Robert Kelley are darkhorse candidates to get a spot behind starter Matt Jones and No. 2 RB Chris Thompson. For a full rundown on the Redskins’ roster, check out their depth chart on Roster Resource.
  • JP Finlay of CSNMidAtlantic.com analyzed the Redskins’ roster to evaluate the best values on the team. Ultimately, he bestowed that mantle on two players – defensive lineman Chris Baker and outside linebacker Preston Smith. Smith, a Mississippi State product taken in the second round of the 2015 draft, excelled down the stretch of his rookie year in 2015. Baker, meanwhile, is coming off a breakout season in which he amassed career highs in appearances (16, to go with 11 starts), tackles (53), sacks (six) and forced fumbles (three). Thanks to his output in 2015, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Baker a solid 22nd out of 83 qualifying interior defenders. He is currently slated to play out the three-year, $9MM contract extension he inked with the Redskins in February 2014.
  • It sounds like quarterback Kirk Cousins will play out the 2016 season under the franchise tag rather than sign a multi-year deal with Washington this week.
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