Titans need Calico to deliver
Kelley Washington and Josh Reed head a list of young receivers who are under pressure to deliver in 2005.
Updated: June 27, 2005, 12:01 PM ET
By Len Pasquarelli | ESPN.com
Here's a look at a half-dozen young wide receivers who, for various reasons, have not played up to expectations and could be running out of time:
• Kelley Washington (Cincinnati): When the former Tennessee star slipped into the third round of the '03 draft, the Bengals felt they were getting a steal, but that hasn't been the case. Washington has 53 receptions in two seasons, and despite averaging a touchdown every 7.6 catches, has yet to develop into a consistent threat. If Peter Warrick returns from the leg injury that limited him in '04, Washington might rank no better than the No. 4 wideout on the roster. Plus, the Bengals used a pair of 2005 draft choices on wide receivers.
• Josh Reed (Buffalo): After averaging 47.5 receptions in his first two seasons, Reed fell off to just 16 catches last year, in part because of injuries. But the former LSU star, a second-round pick in 2002, has suffered more than just physical setbacks. Reed has suffered mental lapses and also a lack of confidence. Last year, he was eclipsed by first-round pick Lee Evans. This year, the Bills chose Roscoe Parrish in the second round of the draft and spent much of the spring lauding his quickness. Many scouts always felt that Reed, when he came out of college, best projected to playing the slot position at the NFL level. He'll get that opportunity in 2005, but will have to step up and start delivering plays.
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