NFL: One breakout star for each team in the 2018 season
Coming out of TCU Josh Doctson had the measurables, playing ability, and combine workouts identical to A.J. Green. When Washington drafted him 22nd overall in 2016 over Sterling Shepard, Laquon Treadwell, and most notably Michael Thomas, there was a sense the Redskins could build an offense around Kirk Cousins and Doctson.
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The script is completely flipped now in Washington with Alex Smith under center and Doctson showed signs of life after a weak rookie season. Appearing in just two games as a rookie, Doctson came back with 500 yards and six touchdowns replacing Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson.
Can Doctson take the next step in his third year with Smith passing to him? Wide receivers typically breakout in their third year as Nelson Agholor did in Philadelphia during their Super Bowl run.
Doctson is slated to start outside with Jamison Crowder and Paul Richardson playing the slot. Seventh-round pick Trey Quinn and undrafted free agent Simmie Cobbs Jr. could fight for playing time, especially Cobbs Jr. as a red zone target.
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Washington’s offense needs someone to step up and be Smith’s guy. Can Doctson breakout with 1,000 yards in 2018?