Leonard Hankerson: Patience

[RedskinParadigm]

I think what's more widely accepted is that WRs get cut if they don't get "it" by their third season. Actually, very few receivers get it by their third year. They either become special teams players or find a new occupation.

The question is really whether or not you can count on Hank to be at least a #3, because I don't think he'll be a very good special teams player. Garcon is a good #2 and Moss is probably gone. If Hank is not a reliable #3, the Skins need to find two pretty good receivers in FA. Also, Garcon makes $8.2M next year and that increases in 2014, so he has to show something special next year as well.

I wouldn't say very few get it by their third years, but I do agree that most WRs do not get MORE than three years to prove themselves. I listed a bunch of top-level WRs that were merely average, or worse, guys in their second seasons (Roddy White, Reggie Wayne, Hines Ward, Steve Smith, Donald Driver, Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey, TJ Houshmandzadeh, and the list goes on), but ended up being great for several seasons beyond that.

Honestly, I see a lot more good than bad in Hankerson's game. RGIII (by virtue of this scheme) is not a volume passer of the ball, even though he is greatly efficient. Hankerson also plays in an offensive scheme that relies on a heavy rotation of its wideout personnel. If I had to bet, my money is on Hankerson becoming a quality receiver for a long time (if nothing special).

[darrelgreenie]

^^Good post.
Right now I think Hankerson is our 3rd best WR.
But I also think Hankerson deserves more time before he's judged because his rookie season was cut short due to injury.

[Hubbs]

Extremeskins needs a "like" button

Agreed. Very good thread.

[RedskinsandRockBandFan]

Hankerson has shown some great signs, problem is we don't have much on him yet, since he only played one game last year in which he was great and then the season ending injury. If we get Garcon healthy and playing well next year with Morgan and Hankerson, we could have a legit receiving corp. I'm also of the mind that we should keep Moss around. He's been our most reliable receiver this year. I think we should then look to pick up one WR in FA, I'm not sure about Robinson or Briscoe yet, but they are clearly not starters.

[Hitman21ST]

Hankerson has shown some great signs, problem is we don't have much on him yet, since he only played one game last year in which he was great and then the season ending injury. If we get Garcon healthy and playing well next year with Morgan and Hankerson, we could have a legit receiving corp. I'm also of the mind that we should keep Moss around. He's been our most reliable receiver this year. I think we should then look to pick up one WR in FA, I'm not sure about Robinson or Briscoe yet, but they are clearly not starters.

On that note, I'm absolutely happy with our receiving corps, provided everyone is healthy.

Garcon and Hankerson as the starters on the outside can be a great pair. They compliment each other nicely. Moss in the slot is dangerous, he's showing that this year. Morgan would be considered our "possession" guy. Those four plus Davis and Paulsen make for a very solid group - threats inside, outside, short, middle, deep. That's about all you can ask for from a receiving corps.

[LiveStrongSkins]

For what its worth, I saw him learn something and apply it against Dallas. No wasted motion on a big third down play. Caught the ball with his hands, turned up field and got the first down while protecting the ball. Not an earth shattering game obviously but he is capable of those plays. I think being on the field with Robinson and Garcon really allows him to use his size on the short to intermediate routes. Also liked the leverage on the slant route pass interference.

[Vladimir L]

Robinson has shown more. Dont count moss out he made great catches lately.

[MartinC]

Robinson has shown more. Dont count moss out he made great catches lately.

Moss has found a really nice role in the offense and is quietly having a very good season. He is the guy RGIII looks for on key 3rd downs and in the red zone and can still get deep on occasion. 6TDs already and some clutch catches on 3rd downs - the TD catch at the end of the first half against Dallas was a thing of beauty.

I was pretty sure this was going to be his last year as a Redskin but I'm starting to think again - though he may have to take a salary cut to stick around.

Robinson has shown he has speed and can stretch the field. He has not yet really shown though he can be effective short and intermediate but he will be getting a lot of work on that in practve and during the offseason.

[skinsmania123]

Moss has found a really nice role in the offense and is quietly having a very good season. He is the guy RGIII looks for on key 3rd downs and in the red zone and can still get deep on occasion. 6TDs already and some clutch catches on 3rd downs - the TD catch at the end of the first half against Dallas was a thing of beauty.

I was pretty sure this was going to be his last year as a Redskin but I'm starting to think again - though he may have to take a salary cut to stick around.

Robinson has shown he has speed and can stretch the field. He has not yet really shown though he can be effective short and intermediate but he will be getting a lot of work on that in practve and during the offseason.

Surprise, surprise...you mean Moss finally has a QB that can get the damn ball to him. Most underrated Skin in history IMO.

[NLC1054]

Surprise, surprise...you mean Moss finally has a QB that can get the damn ball to him. Most underrated Skin in history IMO.

I said this on Twitter earlier; dude has 7 touchdowns today and just flat out playing with fire right now.

Can you imagine if he'd been able to play with RG3 his whole career?

[bird_1972]

Back to Hankerson - I'd just be happy with him quietly learning the position at the pro level with this being his first real season in the NFL due to the injury last year.

Patience is called for with him.

[Saqs]

Our WRs are shaping up nicely. Garcon is the cog that makes everything go though. I like our group and we need to stick with what we have. With Davis in the mix and everyone healthy we are scary.

[MartinC]

Surprise, surprise...you mean Moss finally has a QB that can get the damn ball to him. Most underrated Skin in history IMO.

I've always rated Tana. I have been watching the Skins since '82 and he is the 3rd best receiver we have had in that time after Monk and Clark IMO. His cap number next year though is over $6M and that's high for a 3rd/slot receiver.

[s0crates]

I've always rated Tana. I have been watching the Skins since '82 and he is the 3rd best receiver we have had in that time after Monk and Clark IMO. His cap number next year though is over $6M and that's high for a 3rd/slot receiver.

The way #89 has played this year and during his career here, and considering he is a fan favorite, and considering he likes it here, I would be very surprised if we do not find a way to keep him around in 2013. He has certainly made the most of his opportunities this year.

[MartinC]

The way #89 has played this year and during his career here, and considering he is a fan favorite, and considering he likes it here, I would be very surprised if we do not find a way to keep him around in 2013. He has certainly made the most of his opportunities this year.

I tend to agree, but he is going to have to reduce his salary to stay IMO.