Antonio Gandy-Golden Roster Profile
Antonio Gandy-Golden was selected 142nd overall by the Washington Redskins in the 2020 NFL Draft. Golden played his college football at Liberty, where he was on the field for four seasons.
In this series we will examine:
- Gandy-Golden’s prospect profile from our Head of College and NFL Content Simon Carroll
- his productivity in college
- his potential opportunities in the NFL in the upcoming season
Prospect Profile
PRO’S: Ideal measurements and athletic traits for a modern day NFL receiver. Big imposing receiver who prowls outside the numbers. Impressive upper body strength to dominate cornerbacks, either at the line or at the top of his routes. Massive hands and excellent length afford him an impressive catch radius which he uses to good effect, bringing in balls from outside his frame with ease. Plus athleticism, particularly for a bigger receiver. Straight line speed once into his route is covert but significant. Looks to take pleasure in blocking corners in the run game or out in front of screens.
CON’S: Good long speed but acceleration is mediocre at best. Takes him a while to reach top speed and his tape doesn’t show any short-area quickness to allow him to work the underneath. Fluidity when changing direction is questionable, hence him being used on more linear routes outside the numbers. Limited route-tree at Liberty but improved every aspect of his running each season.
SIMON CARROLL: “You can see why AGG is building up a cult status amongst casual draftniks and football fans. A man who never seems to be truly covered, he’ll bring down the football no matter how many the defense sends to the party. There are holes to Gandy-Golden’s current game but I’d argue he’s more raw than deficient. In a couple of years he should be a starting NFL receiver. There’s a definite feel of upside here”.
NFL COMPARISON: HAKEEM BUTLER
College Stats
Opportunities at the next level
This was a great pick up by Washington. Entering the Draft from a smaller school in a deep wide receiver class, Gandy-Golden slipped down the board. The Redskins picked up a Day 2 talent with their 4th Round pick.
Dwayne Haskins has a huge year ahead. He averaged just 152 yards per game in the air last year. If he doesn’t make the step up in 2020, the Redskins could be in the conversation for a new quarterback again. The front office has given him the help he needs in drafting Gandy-Golden and WR/RB hybrid Antonio Gordon.
Washington has its deep threat receiver in Terry McLaurin, who had a fantastic rookie year. His average catch length of 15.8 yards was 12th in the entire NFL. Beyond McLaurin, however, the Redskins had very little at receiver. Gandy-Golden should fit in well as a WR2, offering a solid option on short and mid-length throws.
Gandy-Golden should be music to the ears of his quarterback and WR1. He gives Haskins more options on shorter routes, and frees McLaurin up for those deeper throws. Expect Haskins to improve in his second year, and McLaurin to enjoy a 1,000 yard season. Gandy-Golden will play a supporting role in 2020, with a greater expectation placed on him from 2021.
Tom Scott
NFL Analyst
TOM WATCHED HIS FIRST EVER NFL GAME AT AN EX’S HOME IN NORTH CAROLINA IN 2013 AND “ENCOURAGED” TO SUPPORT THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS. ONE BREAK-UP AND FOUR YEARS LATER, HE SWITCHED ALLEGIANCE TO THE JETS AND HAS BEEN OBSESSED WITH THE GAME EVER SINCE. TOM CAN BE FOUND ON TWITTER AT @DOWNTHEMANNYRD