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Redskins' Wideouts Have Gains In Mind
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In 2007, the Redskins' wideouts were the last unit in the NFL to record a touchdown reception. Thrash was the first wide receiver to reach the end zone -- scoring twice in a 33-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 11 at FedEx Field. But Thrash suffered a high-ankle sprain in the game and had one reception for the remainder of the season.
"When you looked at the talent we had with guys like Santana and Antwaan, we knew we had the type of receivers you need to have a great offense," Campbell said. "But when your guys are hurt, when they're out, it just makes it harder on the whole offense. With Santana and Randle El healthy now, and with the guys we drafted, I think our receivers can be" among the league's most productive units.
Thomas (6-2, 218) -- Washington's top pick -- and Kelly (6-4, 219) both are big. Thomas is starting out as the Z receiver, or flanker, which generally is the fastest and most physical receiver in the offense (Moss starts at that position). Kelly is playing X, or split end.
Moss, Randle El -- who is expected to primarily be in the slot this year, a role he covets -- and Thrash are learning Zorn's offense at multiple positions, but Thomas and Kelly are "playing one position, and one position only, so they can get all their reps on the same plays and in different formations to make it pretty easy for them," wide receivers coach Stan Hixon said.
The rookies are making a good impression, Moss said. "They're talented guys, look like they're pretty good," he said. "But right now it's a learning stage. They're trying to grasp everything. They're learning from us, and we're just coaching 'em up the best way we can."
Early in offseason workouts, Thomas and Kelly displayed the skills that prompted Cerrato to make them the focus of the Redskins' draft strategy.
"I'm not going to put one of them over the other, but you can tell the difference in both of them," Randle El said. "Both have shown big-time flashes of the things that we want to see."
