DeSean Jackson has found a new home. He agreed to terms with the Buccaneers on the first day of free agency. How will the Redskins replace Jackson?
Here are five candidates -- one for each of the first five rounds -- they could consider in the 2017 NFL Draft.
NOTE: Click on each player's name for a full scouting report and click the tabs above to see lists of potential replacements for other free-agent signees.
Washington's pick in Round 1: No. 17
Skinny: I'm not sure the speedy Ross will be on the board when Washington picks at No. 17, but he would be a great find to take over Jackson's role if teams in the top half of the first round pass on him due to his lack of size (5-foot-10 3/4, 199 pounds, 8 3/4-inch hands). In fact, Jackson has served as a mentor to Ross. That 4.22 40-yard dash would allow Kirk Cousins to put everything he has into a throw to stretch defenses.
Washington's pick in Round 2: No. 49
Skinny: Westbrook isn't the biggest of receivers (6-0, 178), but owns the sub-4.4 speed (per stopwatches at his pro day) to be a deep threat. Westbook will have to address his history of off-field issues with NFL teams, but he has the skills that could allow him to become a Jackson-like playmaker at the next level.
Washington's pick in Round 3: No. 81
Skinny: Cannon's size (5-11, 182, 8 7/8-inch hands) holds him back a bit in terms of draft position, but he proved his speed (4.41 40) and was the smoothest receiver on the field last week at the NFL Scouting Combine. Cannon, a healthy Josh Doctson, and tight end Jordan Reed would be a deadly combination for Washington.
Washington's picks in Round 4: Nos. 114 and 124
Skinny: Though a bit thicker than the other guys on this list at 203 pounds, Taylor's 4.5 speed and quickness (excellent 6.57 three-cone) are evident on tape. Alabama found out this fall what happens if you let him loose in the secondary (9 catches for 121 yards), and NFL defenses will learn the same lesson if he can connect with Cousins on a regular basis.
Washington's pick in Round 5: No. 154
Skinny: Yet another smallish (5-10 3/4, 191) but explosive receiver, Gibson ranked fourth in the country with 22.1 yards per reception in 2016 and finished second in that category (24.0) as a sophomore the previous year. That's big-time ability to take the top off of defenses.
Follow Chad Reuter on Twitter _@chadreuter_.
