With Josh Doctson (6-foot 4), and Cam Sims (6-foot 5), the Redskins tout two physically imposing receivers that possess the ability to use their fortunate stature to their advantage. By potentially adding another 6-foot plus pass catcher, the Redskins could cause opposing team defenses fits with mismatches created across different formations in head coach Jay Gruden's offense.
CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson believes Washington will follow that path in his latest mock draft, mentioning that Iowa State's Hakeem Butler, "flew under the national radar last season but had 60 catches for 1,318 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2018." Wilson continued, "At 6-5, he's not only a huge target, but his 4.48 40 at the combine confirms that he can run by just about anybody too."
A two-year starter at Big-12 conference Iowa State, Butler, a two sport star in high school produced eye-popping numbers that transferred from the gridiron to his first official NFL interview: the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine.
After measuring in as the tallest receiver at the combine at 6-foot 5, Butler created major buzz by then blazing a time of 4.48 in the 40-yard dash providing a glimpse into his potential skill set in the NFL as both a mismatch due to his height, and his ability to run by any opposing corner, or safety trying to guard him. After completing a lavish career in Ames, Iowa, that was highlighted with second-team All-American honors in 2018, Butler declared for the 2019 NFL Draft.
A redshirt sophomore in 2018, the local product hailing from Baltimore played in all 13 games, recording career highs in receptions (60), receiving yards (1,318), touchdowns (9), and average receiving yards per game (101.4) that ranked ninth of all wide outs in college football. Butler was also named to the All Big-12 first team by ESPN, and ended his season and career with a streak of 28-straight games with a reception, the third-longest streak in school history.
As a redshirt freshman in 2017, Butler was named to the Honorable Mention Big-12 team after hauling in 41 passes for 697 yards, and was Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell's number one deep option after providing four of the Cyclones six longest pass plays during the campaign.
After showing his complete skillset at the NFL Combine with a lightning-quick 40 and vertical jump at 36 inches, Butler proved any doubters wrong securing his draft stock. With many draft experts and scouts comparing him to former Detroit Lion Calvin Johnson due to his stature and large hands, Butler in fact has used his offseason to train with the former perennial NFL Pro-Bowler.
According to his Draft Network profile, Butler touts "Inspector Gadget arms and strong hands away from his body. Big strides that can eat up ground in a hurry, offering deceptive burst off the line of scrimmage and through route breaks. Has an accordingly large catch radius and addresses the ball well in the air, with over-the-shoulder, back-shoulder, and high-point catches all present on tape. Does well to box out early in downfield reps with a nice willingness to bring physicality and play bully ball."
