The first guy displayed his nickname on his arms, with “Show” tattooed on his left arm and “Time” on the other. That’s Devin Thomas: Showtime. Then there’s Fred Davis, who brings with him to Washington four nicknames, most bestowed upon him by others.
Take your pick: Freddie Franchise (from his mom), Problem Solver (his favorite), Fast Freddie (USC teammates) and Bonecrusher (youth football coaches).
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And then there’s Malcolm Kelly. He doesn’t have a nickname, unless MK qualifies. But he does have a tattoo with the Superman symbol over his heart, though the “S” is replaced with an “M.” Kelly loves to talk
So the Redskins first three draft picks — all taken in the second round — are loaded with confidence and a little zing. What they bring to the field, however, won’t be revealed until much later.
Receivers tend to take longer to develop as full-time players. But if nothing else, this group should help diversify Washington’s attack in the red zone. Thomas is nearly 6-foot-2 and Kelly is a shade under 6-foot-4. That contrasts with Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El, neither of whom is taller than 5-foot-9.
“If you’re putting small guys inside sometimes you lose them because the window is so small and everything is happening so fast,” Redskins coach Jim Zorn said. “With bigger guys down there and utilizing tight ends on safeties and linebackers, that’s pretty good.”
Said Thomas, “With my size, I can fight off the ball, use my body and box out defensive backs and linebackers. I can take some shots and keep on ticking, so I’ll be all right.”
The Redskins hope they help in more areas other than just the red zone.
“It’s gonna help Santana and Randle El, where they can’t double team Santana or roll as much coverage over there,” said receivers coach Stan Hixon. “Teams will have to play more honest. That’s the main thing I look at.”
