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Michael Connors analyzes the 2014 Washington Redskins of the NFL and their fantasy football outlook for the coming season. Find out who to draft besides RG3 and Alfred Morris.
Washington Redskins Offseason Changes
Offseason Acquisitions – WR DeSean Jackson, WR Andre Roberts
No Longer on the Roster – WR Josh Morgan
The 2014 Washington Redskins are looking for a huge bounceback in 2014 after going 3-13 in 2013. Let's face the facts, if they want a shot to recapture the NFC East crown again quarterback Robert Griffin III (RG3) will have to be a top ten quarterback. The key offseason additions to the Redskin family were headlined by head coach Jay Gruden who came over from the Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver DeSean Jackson who came from the Philadelphia Eagles. Minor additions to the offense were WR Andre Roberts and OL Shawn Lauvao.
On the defensive side of the ball backs Ryan Clark and Terry Porter look to feast on errant passes while Jason Hatcher and Darryl Sharpton will be keeping QBs in the box. The draft was not awe inspiring largely because the RG3 trade left the Skins without a first round pick in this year's draft. Linebacker Trent Murphy was their first selection, but their best selection appears to be running back Lache Seastrunk. Seastrunk was drafted in the sixth round out of Baylor and will look to fight for the third running back spot.
Washington Redskins Quarterbacks
RG3 had an amazing rookie season in 2012 lighting opponents up for over 4000 total yards, 27 total touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions. Those numbers took a step back in 2013 managing over 3600 total yards, 16 total touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
This season the addition of DeSean Jackson should make a huge difference since DJax is the definition of a play maker. I don't think that 600+ rushing yards is really in the cards going forward for RG3 simply because the beating that puts on a body usually ends a quarterback's season by week 14.
I fully expect a huge bounceback season passing for 3,500 yards, rushing for close to 500 yards, and piling up 30+ touchdowns. If RG3 is unable to stay healthy the Redskins have a quality backup in Kirk Cousins. He has shown himself to be an efficient passer and can provide a few wins and average fantasy production given the opportunity.
Washington Redskins Running Backs
The running backs in Washington are headed by Alfred Morris, a hard runner who could end up being a Michael Turner styled back who piles up yards and gives you 8-10 TDs each season. He has shown to be capable of 1200+ rushing yards, but isn't a big part of the passing game so be mindful if you play in a PPR league. Morris had only nine catches in 2013. Playing second fiddle and a bigger part in the passing game is Roy Helu. Helu secured over 30 catches from the RB spot in 2013 and ran for 274 yards so in deeper leagues Helu is a solid handcuff for Morris owners. Rookie Lache Seastrunk does not need to be drafted, but keep an eye on him because can challenge Helu and break a few long runs.
Washington Redskins Wide Receivers
Newly added wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts add to a group that included Pierre Garcon, Leonard Hankerson and Santana Moss. Jackson and Garcon are two of the top 20 WRs going into this season and each totaled over 1300 yards in 2013 (we profiled the Jackson vs. Garcon battle here). Jackson should remain at the 80 catch mark and score seven or eight TDs while remaining over 1100 receiving yards. Garcon should drop from his 113 catches to about 80-85. His yards should stay over 1100 yards due to his ability to get open and hold onto the ball. His touchdowns should increase from five to seven or eight now that RG3 has other options. Roberts does not need to be drafted, but monitor his targets early because he may see some steady time as the number three receiver.
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Washington Redskins Tight Ends
Jordan Reed bursted on to the scene in 2013 compiling 499 yards and three TDs in nine games. He has good leaping ability to get higher passes and is a tough kid. I think Reed will benefit a lot from the added weapons to the receiving corps and will find his numbers nearly double if he stays healthy. I don't think 750+ yards and five TDs is unreasonable. Logan Paulson is next in line, but holds zero value if Reed is healthy.
Washington Redskins Defense
This defense has pass rushers capable of getting sacks which will help your fantasy team, but they are nothing more than a matchup streaming option going into the season.
Washington Redskins In Summary
All and all the players that should be on your draft boards are QB Griffin, RB Morris, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Pierre Garcon, WR Andre Roberts, and TE Jordan Reed. My deep sleeper on the Redskins is RB Lache Seastrunk who, given the opportunity, can steal the backup running back job and become part of the passing game.
Stay tuned for updates, and happy drafting RotoBallers!
