Daniel Shirley-USA TODAY Sports
Leonard Hankerson was having a nice little rookie season before hitting injured reserve back in 2011. He managed to snag eight of nine targets for 103 yards in his final performance of that season in Week 10, which at lesast boded well for his second-year campaign. While Hankerson would grade in the positive by Pro Football Focus in 2012, he got somewhat downplayed in the Robert Griffin III offense as the Washington Redskins upped their utilization of many more unexpected options.
It’s hard to complain because it worked, but it would also be interesting to see the ‘Skins offense give Hankerson more than the 59 targets he received in a full season’s work in 2012.
“With a wealth of veteran talent at the wide receiver position, the Washington Redskins have set themselves up nicely for a quality second and third receiver tandem with Joshua Morgan and Leonard Hankerson,” wrote Redskins.com lead writer Brian Tinsman.
Morgan is a key receiver depth guy to have on roster, but I really hope Hankerson is the one snagging that No. 2 receiver spot by behind Pierre Garcon. This, in my opinion, presents the much more intriguing option despite just the 570 yards this past year. It will also be nice to see Hankerson in his first fully healthy offseason and training camp period.
“One thing about Hankerson, this is his first offseason, OTAs, spring ball, whatever you want to call it that he’s been healthy,” Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said, via CSN Washington. “So he’s had the chance to develop. … He’s in shape. His weight is the right way. He’s getting some valuable reps.”
Thomas Emerick is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasEmerick, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
