The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

2012 Stats:

38 Receptions, 543 Yards, 3 Touchdowns.
2 Rushes, 5 Yards.

Overview

When the Redskins drafted Leonard Hankerson with their 3rd Round selection in the 2011 Draft, the fanbase embraced the pick. And why not? He did break Michael Irivin's single season touchdown record at 'The U.' Hankerson was supposed to be what we had hoped Malcolm Kelly and his "snake-bitten" self would become. A big receiver that somehow ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the combine (same time as Aldrick Robinson); our very own Brandon Marshall (who Shanahan had drafted in Denver with a 4th Round selection).

Fast-forward two years later and many of us are still waiting for Hankerson to take that leap. After a first-year off-season that was limited due to the NFL lockout and a season that was cut short by a torn labrum and subluxation of his hip, Hankerson entered the 2012 season as the 4th wide receiver on the depth chart. Making the most of the Pierre Garcon injury, Hankerson played in every game last season, starting in 5 out of the 16. He finished the season with just 90 yards less than Garcon and 30 yards less than Santana Moss. He bested "starting" receiver Josh Morgan in yards and touchdowns, even though Morgan had more targets (69) than Hankerson (55).

Quietly, Hankerson became an integral part of Washington's offense in 2012. He finished 2nd behind Morgan in total snaps as a wide receiver with 589, which was 125 more snaps than Moss. According to Pro Football Focus, Hankerson ranked 15th in the NFL with 45% of his targets going for 1st Downs or Touchdowns. He also ranked 13th in the NFL in PFF's Wide Receiver Rating (119.0). The knock on Hankerson has been that he drops the ball far too often to be a consistent receiver. However, PFF attributed only 3 drops against Hankerson last year which is better than Garcon (5), Moss (6), and Morgan (7).

With all that said, Hankerson still has a lot of room for improvement and will need to show the coaching staff that he's ready to take on an expanded role entering his 3rd year.

Improvements for 2013:

YAC, YAC, YAC: Yards After Catch has been a point of emphasis for Mike Shanahan. It is why he was so enamored with Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan last off-season. It is why he spent a 3rd Round pick on Jordan Reed this off-season. With Hankerson's size and (concealed) speed, he has to be able to take the ball up-field more consistently. He ranked 4th in YAC among Redskins wide receivers in 2012. It starts with catching the ball cleanly and then maintaining balance after the catch. Far too often did we see him either bobble the ball initially, stumble into a tackle, or fall into a catch. If he gets back to these basics the yards will come in bunches.

Run Blocking: Hankerson provides no versatility when it comes to special teams. So, he will have to step up in run blocking to get an edge. Hankerson had a higher percentage of snaps go for rushing plays than Garcon, Morgan, and Moss. However, he ranked worst in PFF's run blocking ratings among them all. He just didn't display the tenacity of Garcon and Moss, and was no where close to Morgan's, almost elite, ability to block. Aggressiveness is the key. Maybe a small scuffle with a rookie in camp could go a long way for him.

Be confident down the middle: Hankerson needs to make the middle of the field his home. The read-option helps in opening up holes in the middle. However, two of Hankerson's three drops last year came in the middle of the field and I can remember at least one other instance where Hankerson did a drag across the middle and failed to locate the ball as it went past him. Becoming comfortable with quick hitting slants and drags to the middle will be key for his development.

Bottom Line:

Hankerson is a relative lock to make the team because of his upside. Hankerson will enter OTA's and training camp with the goal of winning the starting 'Z' receiver spot that Josh Morgan currently occupies. Last year the Redskins brought in similarly built Dezmon Briscoe and this year some are hoping Lance Lewis is more than a camp body. The fact remains that snaps and targets should be harder to come by this year with Fred Davis, Jordan Reed, and a 3rd down RB added to the offensive arsenal. It's a make or break off-season for Hankerson's Redskins career. Let's hope he rises to the occasion.

Fast-forward two years later and many of us are still waiting for Hankerson to take that leap.

Redskin in Canada wrote:

Fast-forward two years later and many of us are still waiting for Hankerson to take that leap.

I like an optimistic and hopeful assessment and prediction but ...

I will say it again: This is his make or break year. If he does not improve across the board, next year's rookies will put a lot of pressure on his roster spot.

This year we had other more pressing needs in the secondary and for good RBs to support Alfred Morris. Team is looking at the WR position next together with an eye on RT on the OL.

I wouldnot be surprised if more WR competition is brought in for OTAs and Training Camp.

Like most, I am hoping for the best for Hank.

The Hogster wrote:The numbers say that Hankerson is primed for a breakout season, if you can even call it that. Last year he was 2nd behind Morgan in total snaps as a wide receiver with 589, which was 125 more snaps than Moss.

According to Pro Football Focus, Hankerson ranked 15th in the NFL with 45% of his targets going for 1st Downs or Touchdowns. He also ranked 13th in the NFL in PFF's Wide Receiver Rating (119.0). The knock on Hankerson has been that he drops the ball far too often to be a consistent receiver. However, PFF attributed only 3 drops against Hankerson last year which is better than Garcon (5), Moss (6), and Morgan (7).

This article breaks down why Leonard Hankerson could be on the cusp of a breakout if he simply gets more opportunity and improves his weaknesses. Now would be a great time.

2012 Stats:

38 Receptions, 543 Yards, 3 Touchdowns.
2 Rushes, 5 Yards.

Overview

When the Redskins drafted Leonard Hankerson with their 3rd Round selection in the 2011 Draft, the fanbase embraced the pick. And why not? He did break Michael Irivin's single season touchdown record at 'The U.' Hankerson was supposed to be what we had hoped Malcolm Kelly and his "snake-bitten" self would become. A big receiver that somehow ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the combine (same time as Aldrick Robinson); our very own Brandon Marshall (who Shanahan had drafted in Denver with a 4th Round selection).

Fast-forward two years later and many of us are still waiting for Hankerson to take that leap. After a first-year off-season that was limited due to the NFL lockout and a season that was cut short by a torn labrum and subluxation of his hip, Hankerson entered the 2012 season as the 4th wide receiver on the depth chart. Making the most of the Pierre Garcon injury, Hankerson played in every game last season, starting in 5 out of the 16. He finished the season with just 90 yards less than Garcon and 30 yards less than Santana Moss. He bested "starting" receiver Josh Morgan in yards and touchdowns, even though Morgan had more targets (69) than Hankerson (55).

Quietly, Hankerson became an integral part of Washington's offense in 2012. He finished 2nd behind Morgan in total snaps as a wide receiver with 589, which was 125 more snaps than Moss. According to Pro Football Focus, Hankerson ranked 15th in the NFL with 45% of his targets going for 1st Downs or Touchdowns. He also ranked 13th in the NFL in PFF's Wide Receiver Rating (119.0). The knock on Hankerson has been that he drops the ball far too often to be a consistent receiver. However, PFF attributed only 3 drops against Hankerson last year which is better than Garcon (5), Moss (6), and Morgan (7).

With all that said, Hankerson still has a lot of room for improvement and will need to show the coaching staff that he's ready to take on an expanded role entering his 3rd year.

Improvements for 2013:

YAC, YAC, YAC: Yards After Catch has been a point of emphasis for Mike Shanahan. It is why he was so enamored with Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan last off-season. It is why he spent a 3rd Round pick on Jordan Reed this off-season. With Hankerson's size and (concealed) speed, he has to be able to take the ball up-field more consistently. He ranked 4th in YAC among Redskins wide receivers in 2012. It starts with catching the ball cleanly and then maintaining balance after the catch. Far too often did we see him either bobble the ball initially, stumble into a tackle, or fall into a catch. If he gets back to these basics the yards will come in bunches.

Run Blocking: Hankerson provides no versatility when it comes to special teams. So, he will have to step up in run blocking to get an edge. Hankerson had a higher percentage of snaps go for rushing plays than Garcon, Morgan, and Moss. However, he ranked worst in PFF's run blocking ratings among them all. He just didn't display the tenacity of Garcon and Moss, and was no where close to Morgan's, almost elite, ability to block. Aggressiveness is the key. Maybe a small scuffle with a rookie in camp could go a long way for him.

Be confident down the middle: Hankerson needs to make the middle of the field his home. The read-option helps in opening up holes in the middle. However, two of Hankerson's three drops last year came in the middle of the field and I can remember at least one other instance where Hankerson did a drag across the middle and failed to locate the ball as it went past him. Becoming comfortable with quick hitting slants and drags to the middle will be key for his development.

Bottom Line:

Hankerson is a relative lock to make the team because of his upside. Hankerson will enter OTA's and training camp with the goal of winning the starting 'Z' receiver spot that Josh Morgan currently occupies. Last year the Redskins brought in similarly built Dezmon Briscoe and this year some are hoping Lance Lewis is more than a camp body. The fact remains that snaps and targets should be harder to come by this year with Fred Davis, Jordan Reed, and a 3rd down RB added to the offensive arsenal. It's a make or break off-season for Hankerson's Redskins career. Let's hope he rises to the occasion.

http://www.hogshaven.com/2013/5/16/4318 ... -hankerson

The Hogster wrote:I don't think Leonard's roster spot is in jeopardy at all. If anything, I expect his role to increase. At his current pace, if he takes over as the true compliment to Garcon, I could see him doubling his production with more opportunities.

The Hogster wrote:I don't think Leonard's roster spot is in jeopardy at all. If anything, I expect his role to increase. At his current pace, if he takes over as the true compliment to Garcon, I could see him doubling his production with more opportunities.

SkinsJock wrote:I'd agree with the thinking about Hankerson's upside but I think he has to show a lot in OTAs and training camp to make the roster

I am all for this guy becoming a force for this squad - I'm wondering if he's going to take advantage of his talents and where he is right now

SkinsJock wrote:

SkinsJock wrote:I'd agree with the thinking about Hankerson's upside but I think he has to show a lot in OTAs and training camp to make the roster

I am all for this guy becoming a force for this squad - I'm wondering if he's going to take advantage of his talents and where he is right now

I understand that this sounds like I don't think Hankerson will do well ... that's not really correct

I do like what Hank has done - I just think that he has not been as 'effective' a WR as the coaches expect ...

he's done well, I just think he has not lived up to the expectations


AGAIN

I just have a feeling that he needs to take the next step and I think that has to happen early or his 'opportunities' may be limited


Hankerson could be a really big play WR for these guys and I hope he makes the effort to get there


he cannot be dropping passes

SkinsJock wrote:I do like what Hank has done - I just think that he has not been as 'effective' a WR as the coaches expect ...

he's done well, I just think he has not lived up to the expectations

SkinsJock wrote:I just have a feeling

SkinsJock wrote:he cannot be dropping passes

Chris Luva Luva wrote:Wasn't there a stat in another thread showing that Garcon, Morgan and Moss dropped a higher percentage of passes than him? If anything, Hankerson needs to improve on his agility. He gets off kilter easily, it seems.

Per PFF, Hankerson was targeted 55 times and he had 38 receptions and three drops. That gives him a drop rate of 7.32 percent. Of the 82 NFL wide receivers who played at least 25 percent of their teams’ snaps that is the 28th-best drop rate.

That’s not great but it was the best on the team. Pierre Garçon caught 44 passes and dropped five, a drop rate of 10.2 percent (51st in the NFL). Josh Morgan’s caught 48 and dropped seven for a rate of 12.73 percent (67th). Santana Moss, with six drops and 41 receptions had a rate of 12.77 (68th).

brad7686 wrote:If Garcon and Davis are healthy, guys like Hankerson and Robinson will be given better chances to exploit matchups. I hope one of them overtakes Morgan and gets more chances.

Chris Luva Luva wrote:

brad7686 wrote:If Garcon and Davis are healthy, guys like Hankerson and Robinson will be given better chances to exploit matchups. I hope one of them overtakes Morgan and gets more chances.

Whats your issue with Morgan? While gimpy, he still led the team in receptions last year. I'd much rather hope for everyone to return 100% healthy and contribute at a high level.

Deadskins wrote:Morgan excels at blocking downfield as well. I'd like to see the those others elevate that part of their game too.

Late in the first quarter, receiver Leonard Hankerson blew a chance for a touchdown. He had his man beat on a crossing pattern, and a pass from Griffin hit him perfectly at the 3-yard line. But the second-year pro let the ball bounce off his hands and land in the grass.

riggofan wrote:I can't remember any of Garcon's drops, but I sure remember his catch against New Orleans.

The Hogster wrote:The Garcon injury can skew the team stats based on rankings last year. If Garcon were healthy, he would have lead the team in receptions, yards, probably every stat.

The Hogster wrote:Nonetheless, I agree with the points made here. I like Morgan, I just think that Hankerson offers a greater upside.

The Hogster wrote:If you go back to college, Morgan has always been a minimal touchdown guy. In other words, he is a great complimentary receiver, but Hankerson could become a guy who can score more frequently--a play maker--but he has to prove he can do the other things better than Morgan, which he apparently wasn't able to do just yet.

The Hogster wrote:I hope Morgan is 100% and I hope Hankerson improves. This is a good problem to have though!HAIL

Chris Luva Luva wrote:
I'll have to really look again at Hanks plays. I've never thought of him as a playmaker. He seems to really stumble over his own feet a lot, doesn't seem particulary agile. Heck, the one WR that had a standout jump ball situation was Santana Moss, lololol.

Again, not in disagreement but I'm curious. Could you refresh my memory and point out some plays for me?

The Hogster wrote:I hope Morgan is 100% and I hope Hankerson improves. This is a good problem to have though!HAIL

Agreed.

The Hogster wrote:I am hopeful that is a product of his hip injury rather than clumsiness. But, as far as him being a play maker--in college--he never had less than 6 touchdowns in a season in which he started. And, as a senior he broke Michael Irvin's Miami record for Touchdowns in a season with 13. His 4.4 forty time is also the kind of speed you'd want out of a WR. He finds ways to get open more importantly. A lot of his catches are wide open (then he falls over himself) but still.

The Hogster wrote:Check out some of his college highlights. Go to the :41 second mark for an example of his pre-injury agility. Some say hip injuries take a 2 seasons to fully heal. Maybe that was what caused his balance issues.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUWdlIb4hfU

Here are some of his Redskins highlights. Hopefully a year of health and improvement has him ready to take the leap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0ER1fz5WvA

Deadskins wrote:

Chris Luva Luva wrote:

brad7686 wrote:If Garcon and Davis are healthy, guys like Hankerson and Robinson will be given better chances to exploit matchups. I hope one of them overtakes Morgan and gets more chances.

Whats your issue with Morgan? While gimpy, he still led the team in receptions last year. I'd much rather hope for everyone to return 100% healthy and contribute at a high level.

+1

Morgan excels at blocking downfield as well. I'd like to see the those others elevate that part of their game too.