Redskins should consider starting WR Maurice Harris

Washington Redskins wideout and 2016 first-round draft pick Josh Doctson missed Monday night’s blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints with a heel injury. Maurice Harris who was signed as a UDFA WR the same year Doctson was drafted, filled in nicely and actually gave the Redskins a presence on the field against the Saints.

Harris during his three-year career has made big catches when his number has been called, but, has always been limited in reps because of who has been ahead of him on the depth chart.

As a rookie, he had to watch DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Jamison Crowder, Ryan Grant and Doctson get their opportunities before him. He was cut and had to wait to be called up to the 53 man roster when the Redskins placed Doctson (Achilles injury) on injured reserve.

Last year, the former California product was a final cut during the preseason and signed to the practice squad again. He was called up to the active roster in November and immediately made his presence felt in a game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Who could forget the one-handed catch Harris made showing that he could be a big play receiver if he had more opportunities.

Harris 25, may have that chance now as his three receptions for 47-yards performance Monday warrants a strong look from the Redskins and coach Jay Gruden to keep him as a starter. Harris showed the sure hands that he is known for amongst teammates and also more speed in the open field than previously given credit for. He pulled in a 42-yard reception that set up the Redskins inside of the red zone.

I really feel like if Mo Harris has a nice game he remains the starter opposite Richardson regardless of Doctson’s health going forward. #Redskins

— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) October 9, 2018

The Redskins are in a precarious situation with Doctson at this point of his career. He possesses all of the tools to justify why he was drafted as a first-round talent, but, he has yet to put everything together.

To say Doctson has been a bust is flat out inaccurate as he did pull in six touchdowns in his first full season in the NFL. To say he has been disappointing to where he was drafted (22nd overall pick), however, rings loud and true.

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The situation reminds me a lot of the RG3 vs. Kirk Cousins debate. There was no question that Griffin III was the superior overall talent but for whatever reason (maybe injured knee?) couldn’t put it all together after a great 2012 NFL Rookie of the Year campaign. Cousins, on the other hand, looked solid in his opportunities and eventually justified being named a starter even if the way it went down is still questionable.

Harris has that same look. He consistently makes plays as fans are waiting for Doctson to make them when he is on the field and they are playing the same spot on the field.

I asked Gruden today from the INOVA Sports Performance Center at Redskins Park if Harris should get some consideration to continue starting?

Gruden was non-committal but very complimentary of Harris and his versatility.

“I’ve always been impressed with ‘Mo’,” Gruden said. “He’s does everything right. He had a couple plays which he wishes he had back like everybody did, but for the most part, he has been productive, he is physical in the running game and he does a lot of good things. But, what I like the most about ‘Mo’ is first of all is he can play X, Y, or Z like that and knows all three spots, which is crucial with Jamison [Crowder] a little banged up and Paul [Richardson Jr.] a little bit banged up, he can move to Z, if Jamison can’t go he can move to zebra, if Josh [Doctson] can’t go he would move to X and he can be productive in all three spots.”

The bottom line is Harris was one of the Redskins few bright spots on an abysmal evening in New Orleans and should be rewarded for his career perseverance and be kept as the starter opposite Paul Richardson.