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Why Antonio Gandy-Golden could be third-day steal for Washington

Antonio Gandy-Golden was taken 142nd by Washington. Will he be able to make the roster and have fantasy value in his career?

Antonio Gandy-Golden #11 of the Liberty Flames looks on in the second half during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images

Washington was in need of some offense in the draft and grabbed Antonio Gibson in the second and then Antonio Gandy-Golden in the fourth with the 142nd pick. The Liberty product was great in college, accumulating 150 receptions for 2,433 yards and 20 touchdowns in two seasons.

Scouting Report

Gandy-Golden can catch anything thrown his way, but still needs work getting open, which means his technique off the line and as a route runner need improvement. He has plenty of strength and at 6’4”, 236 pounds, he manhandled lesser competition in college. He suffered from lack of focus and lazy routes in college, which shows that he probably can overcome that as long as he ups his work level to what’s needed in the NFL.

Antonio Gandy-Golden has promising ball skills and should have the opportunity to become a viable role WR at the NFL level. His ball skills, length and high point ability are big winners and do well in the red zone — he was a monster in tight spaces at the college level. Gandy-Golden’s long speed and consistency creating separation on his route stems will water down his viability as a volume receiver but he’s a possession type who should carve out a productive niche in an NFL WR group. — Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network

Fantasy football impact

With the poor overall depth at receiver for Washington, Gandy-Golden has a real shot at becoming a starter sooner than later. Gibson, who has a leg up due to his draft capital, might not be used solely as a receiver, giving Gandy-Golden even more room for upward mobility. Washington’s overall offense is still a work in progress and expecting the rookie to put up useful fantasy points year one is a stretch, but there is upside and opportunity for the receiver.