5 free-agent wide receivers who could replace Ventell Bryant at camp
By Dean Jones
Josh Doctson
It’s easy to forget that Josh Doctson was once a first-round pick with the world at his feet.
The Washington Football Team had high hopes for the wide receiver after selecting him No. 22 overall in 2016. Even though he’s gone over 500 receiving yards twice during his career, Doctson hasn’t nearly lived up to expectations so far and is still looking for a new home at this late stage of the preparation period.
Doctson opted out of the 2020 season after playing just one game with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019. He was signed by the New York Jets but subsequently released in May.
His situation is certainly a strange one. Doctson appears to have all the physical skills needed to become a prolific wideout at the next level, even if things haven’t come together as yet.
Injuries have also played their part in Doctson’s struggles, which only adds to the frustration.
The Carolina Panthers could decide to examine Doctson at training camp. They’ve shown willingness to take chances on players down on their luck in the past with mixed success.
If it doesn’t work out, there’s no real harm done.
One thing is for sure, Doctson is a better option than Ventell Bryant not only in talent but also from an availability perspective if he did make the 53-man roster.