It's Must or Bust for Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly

OK, so maybe Washington Redskins rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly didn't have the best of seasons in 2008. But, they were rookies after all and second round rookies at that. So how would they look if you graded them on the curve? We look at their performance compared to the other eight wide receivers selected in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. The numbers are not encouraging. Second round receivers averaged 27 receptions for 328 yards and 1.4 touchdowns. The group averaged 12 yards per catch. Thomas and Kelly caught 15 and six passes, respectively. Thomas gained 120 yards. Kelly only 18. Neither player is credited with a touchdown and neither averaged as much as 10 yards per catch. Five wide receivers were selected in the third round of the 2008 Draft. They averaged 10 receptions, 102 yards, for 9.9 yards per catch. As a group, the third rounders delivered a single touchdown reception. The average for the second rounders was boosted by Donnie Avery (Rams), DeSean Jackson (Eagles) and especially by Eddie Royal (Broncos). Those three combined for 10 of the 14 touchdowns scored by the 2008 second-rounders. Jackson caught 29 fewer passes than Royal, but nearly the same yards (Jackson 912 yards; Royal 980). Skins fans remember Avery from his 43 yard reception that set up the winning field goal to give the then winless Rams the upset win at FedEx Field. The Redskins face Avery, Jackson and Royal in 2009. But wait. There's more. Avery, Royal and Jackson are under six feet tall. The Redskins selected Kelly and Thomas because of their size. West Coast receivers like Terrell Owens are over six feet tall. Size and height are prized because WCO receivers run through heavy traffic and must withstand jostling by 240 pound safeties and the occasional linebacker. Height is supposed to equal ruggedness, again epitomized by Terrell Owens. Height doesn't seem to hinder Jackson or Royal. Both play on West Coast Offense teams. The measurables clouded Washington's judgment last season. But, I won't criticize the pick of Thomas and Kelly. Both picks were generally applauded when they were made. Thomas flew up the draft charts after the Combine. At one point, he was deemed the best raw receiving talent in the draft. However, Thomas started one glorious season at Michigan State. He was considered a project and 2008 was effectively his college senior season.Kelly was a three year starter at big school Oklahoma. Three year starter at a big time program is a predictor of pro success. He figured to match the profile of Art Monk.The Redskins divulged that their scouts questioned Malcolm Kelly's durability (knees) for professional football. But the Skins drafted linebacker Rocky McIntosh in spite of similar concerns. McIntosh is a starter.To go by the numbers, Thomas is more likely to hit it big this year. He's stamped with big play potential. Kelly's college experience says he has much more to offer--if he consistently gets on the field. Thomas has been more open in his effort to get better this season. Kelly has been reticent. It's a must-or-bust year for both players and the offense that is counting on them.One of them has to come up with 40 receptions and 5 touchdowns this year. PLAYER TEAM REC YARDS AVE TDs Donnie Avery Rams 53 674 12.7 3 Devin Thomas Redskins 15 120 8.0 0 Jordy Nelson Packers 33 366 11.1 2 James Hardy Bills 9 87 9.7 2 Eddie Royal Broncos 91 980 10.8 5 DeSean Jackson Eagles 62 980 14.7 2 Malcolm Kelly Redskins 3 18 6.0 0 Limas Sweed Steelers 6 64 10.7 0 Dexter Jackson Buccaneers 0 0 0 0