Washington Commanders

Redskins WR Jamison Crowder could surprise in year one

Published May. 4, 2015 2:18 p.m. ET

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After showing off his skills at the Senior Bowl, Duke wide receiver Jamison Crowder's stock was buzzing. Unfortunately, all it takes is a subpar combine for a wide receiver to immediately lose that buzz. Crowder struggled to show athleticism at the combine, but the Redskins weren't swayed. The team loved what they saw form Crowder on tape, and they think he can be a versatile weapon used all over the field.

Head coach Jay Gruden believes that Crowder will be able to add big-play ability to an offense that struggled to generate chunk yardage plays outside of DeSean Jackson.

“Very productive college football player, very tough, and he’s going to be an instant playmaker for us,” Gruden said according to Redskins.com. “So that’s going to be a good one.”

“He’s been productive (as a punt returner) when he’s had the opportunity,” Gruden said. “He’s such a good receiver at Duke that they probably didn’t use him as much they would liked to have because he was such a key weapon for them on offense. But he’s the type of guy did a lot for them and he’s got the great, quick first step and he is a natural at punt returner.”

Crowder is not short of confidence, and he echoed the idea that he can bring versatility to the Redskins roster.

“I feel like that’s a way I can get on the field and be able to display my talents and ability in the open field. That’s one of the main areas that I always loved to play,” Crowder said of his skills as a return man, according to Redskins.com “And at wide receiver, I feel like I’m one of the top receivers in this draft, and I can go in and make an impact on the offense.”

Crowder also address pre-draft concerns about his size and athletic limitations.

“I’ve never been the biggest, but when I step out on the field, I’ve always (been) one of the top as far as talent," Crowder said. So I always went out on the field and played with that chip on my shoulder,” he said. “Whether I had the football or whether I was blocking a guy, I always wanted to go out there and feel like I’m the best person on the field.”

The Redskins are building a very talented receiver corps that includes DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Andre Roberts, Ryan Grant and now Jamison Crowder as well.

(h/t Washington Redskins)

Photo Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre/USA TODAY Sports