Paul Richardson

Someone has to catch passes in Washington. Assuming Richardson can return from multiple fractures to his right clavicle - he had surgery in November with a recovery time of 6-8 months - he's probably the top candidate. The team's first-round pick from 2016, Josh Doctson, is still around, but the Redskins declined the fifth-year option on his contract and didn't address receiver depth in the draft until the third round (Terry McLaurin). Moreover, Richardson signed a five-year, $40 million contract in March 2018, so if he's healthy, we'd expect the Redskins to use him. At 6-0, 170, Richardson is slight but fast (4.40 40), and he was able to make some big plays given modest opportunities in Seattle. Last year with the Redskins, Richardson saw either five or six targets in six of seven weeks before shutting things down, i.e., he was on pace for roughly an 80-target workload. With Jamison Crowder gone, Richardson could see more work out of the slot this year, but it's unclear whether newly acquired Case Keenum or first-round rookie Dwayne Haskins will be throwing him the ball. In either case, it's likely to be a subpar passing game.

A 2014 second-round pick, Richardson had a nice season in 2017, but it was still surprising the Redskins shelled out $40 million for him, including $17.5 million that is virtually guaranteed. At 6-0, 183, Richardson is slightly built but fast (4.40 40), and he's also quick and capable of making big plays - three catches of 40-plus last year. But Richardson benefitted from Russell Wilson's ability to extend plays with his legs, and Redskins QB Alex Smith, though mobile, isn't the same caliber of player. In addition, the Redskins use Jamison Crowder, another small, quick receiver, from the slot and Josh Doctson, a bigger, more athletic deep threat, outside, so it's unclear how Richardson fits into their plans. And that's before accounting for injury-prone tight end Jordan Reed and tailback Chris Thompson, both of whom will have significant roles in the passing game if they actually stay healthy.

Richardson has a chance to compete for more reps in 2017 after registering 21 receptions and 288 yards and one touchdown in 15 games. He really started to hit his stride at the end of the season and churned out his best performances during the playoffs, recording seven receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown during the Seahawks' two-game postseason run. With Tyler Lockett recovering from a fractured fibula and Jermaine Kearse coming off a down year, Richardson's stock is quickly rising this offseason. All that considered, the 25-year-old could be a darkhorse fantasy producer in 2017.

Plagued by injuries throughout the 2015 season, Richardson appeared in just one game when he caught one ball for 40 yards on six total snaps. He ended the year on IR with a hamstring issue but figures to be ready as a full participant for training camp heading into his third season in the league. Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, and Tyler Lockett will lead the way for the Seahawks' receiving corps, but Richardson is an early favorite for the No. 4 spot if he's healthy heading into the season.

Richardson largely disappointed as a rookie, though he came on late in the year, getting half of his 44 targets in the last four games. At 6-foot, 183 pounds, he was too easily jammed at the line, preventing him from capitalizing on his tremendous speed. Thanks to a torn ACL suffered in the playoffs, his speed likely won't be the same this season. Richardson won't be ready for the start of the season, likely beginning the year on the PUP list.

Richardson has great speed and could become a dangerous deep threat, but he'll need to prove that his lack of size and the durability issues he had in college won't be liabilities in the NFL. With Sidney Rice's abrupt retirement, Richardson should land the No. 4 receiver job.