Predicting Stats for Every Washington Redskins Wide Receiver in 2012

With all the hype surrounding Redskins Park, the depth chart in Washington is hardly an interesting story outside of die hard fans. But when you dig into Mike Shanahan's offseason workings, the Redskins have some decent competition at certain positions. 

At the wide receiver spot, training camp holds some intriguing competitions. While a few guys may seem like guarantees, there is talent to be had near the bottom of the chart. 

Predicting stats never carries much merit, but I'm caught up in the excitement just like the rest of you.

How do the new receivers adapt with their new team? How soon can Robert Griffin develop relationships with his pass-catchers? Do the outside or inside receivers have the best opportunities?

All this stuff is at least fun to talk about while we drag through the preseason. And a little fantasy chatter on each slide is never a bad thing. 

Pierre Garcon

If there was any offensive player to get excited about following the Redskins' first preseason game against the Bills, it was free agent acquisition Pierre Garcon. 

The Redskins opened their wallets this summer and signed Garcon for two reasons. 

One, the Redskins lacked playmaking ability and overall speed. Past receivers were more possession types and they lacked any sort of explosiveness. Teams need guys who can make plays after the catch, and the Redskins simply didn't have it. 

And two, the Redskins knew that a lethal vertical threat was necessary for rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. After watching Griffin shine in college with a deep ball that was arguably tops in the nation, signing a guy that could fly down the field and get under a pass was crucial. 

In his first four NFL seasons (all in Indy), Garcon continued to prove doubters wrong. Not only did his production increase, but he had his best season with that guy Curtis Painter tossing him the football. 

This season, Garcon will be looked at as the No. 1 receiver in Washington and Griffin will look for early development with his best deep-option. 

Garcon won't disappoint. With his combination of speed and YAC ability, I have Garcon pulling in 80 catches for 1,135 yards (14.1) and six touchdowns. 

Leonard Hankerson

Before injuring his hip late last year, then-rookie Leonard Hankerson was starting to show his true potential. Despite playing in just four games, his 12.5 YPC average was one of the best on the team and no one was displeased with Hankerson's body control and 6'2" frame. 

This year, with a season under his belt and a full offseason, Hankerson is due to be a big part of the Redskins' offensive plan. He's a large target for RG3 and all signs point to him starting opposite Pierre Garcon. 

My fingers are still crossed that Hankerson's labrum is fully healed and will stay that way throughout the season, but that doesn't trump my lofty predictions.

In 2012, Hankerson will haul in 52 catches for 652 yards and four touchdowns. 

Santana Moss

Before players reported, I can't imagine I was the only one that feared for Santana Moss and his roster spot. Attempting to return from injury on the wrong side of 30 and under a complete team youth movement, things didn't look good for the veteran receiver.

Then Moss showed up to camp in some of the best shape of his career and has since proved in practice that the old guy still has some juice. 

Moss still has some of the most reliable hands on the team and lining him up in the slot could work wonders for a rookie quarterback. 

In a new and more natural role with the Redskins, Moss will finish the season with 42 catches for 435 yards and three scores. 

Josh Morgan

In addition to Pierre Garcon, the Redskins went after free agent Josh Morgan in an attempt to add speed to the offense. Morgan is a receiver that can turn an ordinary catch into a big play, but his shortened season last year is somewhat alarming. We just all hope that Morgan can stay healthy. 

Limited in practice thus far, Morgan hasn't jumped out nearly as much as fans had hoped. Still, Morgan is young and he has time to grow after returning to his hometown of D.C. 

Morgan will finish 2012 with 26 catches for 286 yards and one touchdown in a lesser role than that of Garcon, Hankerson and Moss. 

Terrence Austin

After being a fan of his since joining the Redskins, my support for Terrence Austin doesn't stop here. Although not in a much larger role than last season, I'm still predicting that Austin makes the team. Perhaps even contributing as a returner. 

As a receiver, Austin will finish 2012 with eight catches for 119 yards. 

Aldrick Robinson

After spending his rookie season on the practice squad last year, Aldrick Robinson has a good shot at making this year's team. 

Robinson is a speedster with vertical threat potential, but he's likely better-suited as a returner this season. There's simply too much talent ahead of him—paid talent, too. 

Robinson should finish his second NFL season with six catches for 105 yards. 

Still with Me?

For those still reading, I haven't included slides for Anthony Armstrong, Brandon Banks, Dezmon Briscoe or Samuel Kirkland. And for good reason, as I don't have any of them making the roster on this early Monday morning following last week's first preseason game. 

Do things change? Absolutely. But I wouldn't call me crazy just yet. We still have to account for the tight ends on the team—RG3's other receiving threats. 

For this column, I predicted Fred Davis to pick up where he left off last season and bring in 60 catches for 725 yards and six touchdowns. I think he stays on his best behavior, becomes a reliable target for Griffin and showcases himself as the team's best redzone target. 

Not forgetting Captain Chaos, I have Chris Cooley bringing in 21 balls for 321 yards and a score. Albeit for a very expensive price tag, Cooley remains effective in a far lesser role than his past glory days. 

Finally, second-year player Niles Paul and his transition from receiver to tight end ultimately lands him on the team. He will finish his first season as a hybrid end with 14 catches for 126 yards and one touchdown.

How It All Adds Up for RG3

Enough about the receivers! What does this mean for our beloved rookie quarterback and savior for 2012?

Not bad at all. 

Using the predicted stats from this column, Robert Griffin III will finish his rookie season with 309 completions, 3,898 yards and 22 touchdowns. 

I'll take it.