Washington Redskins 2019 Fantasy Football Draft Advice

Quarterback

2018 Stats

2019 Players (MFL ADP, Aug 1)

Dwayne Haskins (QB26), Case Keenum (QB36)

One would think Case Keenum is the de facto starter here but a case can be made for rookie Dwayne Haskins. Per Cory Bonini at The Huddle, “Haskins was a quick study at Ohio State,” and, “With a coaching staff on the hot seat, going all in on Haskins could buy the regime another year.”

That makes some sense, however to me it makes more sense to let Haskins learn behind the veteran Keenum initially.

LT Trent Williams is holding out of training camp and Jason La Canfora reports Williams has lost all trust in GM Bruce Allen and the Redskins medical staff. It appears extremely unlikely Williams plays another snap for the Redskins.

Running Back

2018 Stats

2019 Players (MFL ADP, Aug 1)

Derrius Guice (RB29), Adrian Peterson (RB49), Chris Thompson (RB59), Bryce Love (RB72)

Derrius Guice might be more of an endgame (late season) play. He suffered a torn ACL last preseason, but through complications with infection required additional procedures which delayed proper rehab. Plus out of respect for Adrian Peterson’s contribution to the Redskins last year and his veteran status, AP could (should?) open the season as the starter.

More recent reports out of training camp indicate Guice is performing very well. He was, “a full participant,” day one per Redskins.com.

Wide Receiver

2018 Stats

2019 Players (MFL ADP, Aug 1)

Trey Quinn (WR83), Terry McLaurin (WR84), Kelvin Harmon (WR93), Josh Doctson (WR94), Paul Richardson (WR101)

Hard to get excited about this group. Hard to figure out who would even be the primary receiver, if there is one.

Jay Gruden indicated Trey Quinn has, “taken over the inside slot role,” which gives him a good shot to lead the team in receptions. Think Jamison Crowder from 2015-17, averaging about 65-750 and a few touchdowns.

Paul Richardson is perhaps the most talented receiver on the roster but he’s never been able to flash it for long due to constant recurring injuries. Richardson did not participate in team drills during offseason workouts. Reports indicate he did practice last week. When reporters feel the need to indicate a player is actually practicing, that is not a good sign.

A name to keep in mind for deeper and dynasty leagues, Ohio State product Terry McLaurin impressed through offseason work and stood out during the Senior Bowl. He could start on the outside opposite Josh Doctson.

Tight End

2018 Stats

2019 Players (MFL ADP, Aug 1)

Jordan Reed (TE22), Vernon Davis (TE38)

Is Jordan Reed healthy to start the season? While never expecting Reed to get through a season injury-free, currently drafted as TE26, if we can squeeze even six games out of him, he might be worth the late draft pick. Although, Reed suffers from the overall state of the offense. He scored only 2 TD in each of the past two seasons (19 total games).

Draft Strategy

a.k.a., what are we doing with these guys?

I believe Jay Gruden is a decent offensive coach, but the expected output of this offense is pretty dismal. The ADP reflects that with so few players even registering a primary fantasy bench spot inside the Top 24 for a 12-team league.

While I think Keenum should start the season there seems to be a little more than the usual groundswell of optimism that Haskins will be the guy. The Redskins quarterbacks are almost a complete avoid situation. Only in deep superflex would I add Keenum, and probably only as a late-third or fourth option if I wasn’t comfortable with my earlier selections from waiting.

I drafted Guice once so far this season, early June in the mid-6th round. Guice is super-tempting because I do believe he is one of the most talented up-and-coming RB in the league.

However, given the state of the offense and his return from the knee, resisting the urge to draft him at his current price is the best bet. I would rather a lesser talented RB in a better offense, even with more sharing, like Jordan Howard or Rashaad Penny, to build around and play weekly matchups.

Adrian Peterson seems criminally low in the rankings so I am not against adding him as a second or third backup RB on my roster. Better for bestball because he’ll be tough to start.

The wideouts are getting drafted so low they almost all look like a value at the right point. Regular sized roster league most should stay undrafted. Deeper PPR, Quinn is a good grab, and then don’t mind taking a late shot on Doctson or McLaurin or even Kelvin Harmin into the 24th+ round of a bestball.

I could see Jordan Reed doing well for part of a season, reminding us what he is capable of. I expect he’ll have a better chance at success with Keenum at QB. In a regular redraft I wouldn’t mind Reed as a backup TE drafted ahead of some of the young guys who haven’t proven anything like rookies T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant.