Washington Redskins wide receiver Leonard Hankerson probably isn't where the team wants him to be in the grand scheme of things, but he's steadily improving, and that's the most important thing for a 1-3 team. Hankerson, now in his third year in the NFL, made his third consecutive start in Week 4, and though he didn't have huge stats, he played well.
Leonard Hankerson ever improving, may have fantasy value this season
Leonard Hankerson is improving and could be earning more playing time. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Hankerson caught four passes for 49 yards, including a pivotal third-down reception that might have sealed the game for the Redskins. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan believes that Hankerson is getting the consistency that evaded him in his first two years, according to Mike Jones of The Washington Post.
Last season, Hankerson managed 38 receptions for 543 yards, but he’s on pace to eclipse that total this year. If he keeps up his current pace he’ll finish with more than 700 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s earning more and more playing time as he goes along, and given Robert Griffin III’s lack of receiving options and his struggles, it can only help.
Fantasy Impact: Hankerson obviously is not a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver in fantasy football. However, his role is ever increasing, and he has the skill set to be an effective receiver. If you’re a fantasy owner hurting for options due to injuries or just a relatively weak wide receiver position, then Hankerson may be an interesting option a few weeks down the line. We’ll see where it goes.
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