Washington Redskins: 10 Predictions for Leonard Hankerson's Rookie Campaign
The Washington Redskins selected Leonard Hankerson with their third round pick (79th overall) in the 2011 NFL Draft with hope that he becomes the elite wide out Washington has lacked for quite some time.
Inside we will discuss 10 predictions that could become a reality for the rookie this upcoming season.
10. He's Now the Number One Option in the Passing Game
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Wide receiver Santana Moss is a free agent and it's likely that he could decide to take what talent he has left to a contender for this season.
With that being said, Anthony Armstrong isn't a number one in the NFL and Malcolm Kelly has yet to show his worthiness to be on an NFL roster due to an array of injuries.
Leonard Hankerson will have to earn the job in training camp (if there is one), however, it really shouldn't be that hard to beat out those named above for a guy whose 6'3" and has great hands.
9. The Redskins Finally Found Themselves a Red Zone Threat
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Standing at 6'3" and weighing in at 209 pounds, Hankerson has the size and vertical leaping ability to climb the fence and haul in the football.
After failing to pick up a threat inside the red zone with wide receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, most fans were ecstatic and felt the Skins got a steal in the third round.
Only time will tell, but it helps being optimistic about the situation. Doesn't it?
8. He Could Break Art Monks Redskins Rookie Reception Record
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In 1980 with the 18th pick in the draft the Washington Redskins selected Hall of Fame wide receiver Art Monk from Syracuse.
Monk went on to have solid rookie campaign, hauling in 58 receptions for three scores and three yards short of 800.
With little to work with in the receiving core for the Redskins this fall, Hankerson likely will get plenty of looks from whoever is under center.
I like his chances in Kyle Shanahans offense and can see the rookie snagging 70 balls—which he did his senior year in 12 games—and setting a new Redskins rookie record.
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7. He May Reach 1,000 Receiving Yards
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His senior year at Miami he attained 1,156 receiving yards and this was only in 12 games.
Can you just imagine the damage he could do in a 16 game season in an offense that caters to the passing game now?
6. Forget Art Monks Record, What About Anquan Boldins Rookie Reception Record?
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In 2003 then rookie wide out Anquan Boldin set an NFL rookie record, with 101 receptions.
Boldin set the record with the Arizona Cardinals when they were one of the worst teams—4-12 record—in the NFL, so why can't Leonard Hankerson do it with the Washington Redskins?
5. He Very Well Could Have Multiple Games with 10-Plus Receptions
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Leonard Hankerson may not break Art Monks single game record of 13 receptions this season, but he could have multiple games with 10-plus receptions this upcoming season.
As stated in previous slides and many of you Redskin fans may know, there is little to work with at the moment in the passing game, giving Hankerson and whoever is quarterbacking the possibility to create a dynamic duo.
4. He Could Haul in 10 or More Touchdowns This Season
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He may not break the great Randy Moss's rookie record of 17 touchdowns, but Hankerson has the size and ability to score a multitude of touchdowns for the Redskins in 2011.
The offensive line is still the Skins achilles heel which could force tight end's Chris Cooley, Fred Davis or Logan Paulsen to block on more plays. With that being said, this leaves the Redskins receivers and backs to carry the work load in the passing game, giving Hankerson more and more looks.
3. The Chase Begins for Art Monks Consecutive Games with at Least One Reception
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By the end of Art Monks Hall-of-Fame Redskins career he had set a Skins all-time record of 164 consecutive games with at least one reception.
The rookie obviously won't break the record this season or the next but the odds are in his favor to haul in at least one pass each game this season and begin the chase for Monks amazing feat.
2. Dominance by Midseason Will Require Double Teams by Opposing Defenses
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As stated in previous slides, Hankerson has an enormous stature at 6'3" giving him a huge advantage over defensive backs who average a height of about 5'9" or 5'10".
By midseason opposing defenses could be forced to double team the rookie due to his tremendous talent of catching the football. If so, don't look for Hankerson to quite on his team like some would think.
Remember he's a rookie and will feel the need to continue to prove himself to the coaching staff and his teammates that nothing will stop him from getting the ball in his hands.
1. Voted to the NFL All-Rookie Team
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It shouldn't be a surprise that the last Washington Redskins wide receiver to be named to an All-Rookie team was Art Monk in 1980—in fact he was unanimous selection.
Hankerson may not receive every vote for the All-Rookie team, however, his 70 receptions, 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns potential has All-Rookie written over him.
Now we'll just have to wait and see what fellow wide receivers A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals and Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons produce in their rookie seasons.
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