Despite using the 15th pick in the 2019 draft to select quarterback Dwayne Haskins, there was considerable buzz prior to the 2020 draft that the Redskins may use the No. 2 overall pick to select former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Washington instead used the pick to select former Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young, while Tagovailoa would be selected by the Dolphins with the fifth overall pick.
Haskins, during a recent interview with JP Finlay of NBC Sports, shared what Redskins head coach Ron Rivera told him with regard to the Tua rumors leading up to the draft.
"Throughout the whole process, Ron was just telling me to trust him," Haskins said. "I did, so it worked out."
Haskins said that the Redskins' decision to pass on a quarterback has added to his confidence level heading into his second season. In nine games last season, Haskins completed less than 59% of his passes with as many touchdown passes (seven) as interceptions. Haskins, who led Ohio State to a Rose Bowl victory over Washington during his final season with the Buckeyes, went 2-5 in his seven starts as a rookie.
"I feel really confident," Haskins said. "Having guys who believe in me, I feel like we're going to have a good year this year."
Instead of selecting a quarterback, the Redskins spent several of their draft picks on offensive players that they hope will help complement Haskins. Washington spent a third-round pick on versatile running back Antonio Gibson and a fourth-round pick on receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden. They also added to their offensive line, selecting Saahdiq Charles in the fourth round and Keith Ismael in the fifth round.
"When [Gibson] said he was a playmaker, that got me fired up," Haskins said. "He hit me up after the draft trying to figure out any tips and things he can learn about the offense. Trying to get [Gandy-Golden] up here so we can throw the ball around a little bit. Having that above-the-rim type of player we were kind of of missing last year. Excited about our additions, for sure."
Haskins has been able to throw on a regular basis this offseason with receivers Terry McLaurin and Kelvin Harmon. Haskins has also had frequent virtual meetings with the Redskins' quarterbacks and offensive linemen. He said several glowing things about teammate Alex Smith, who is still on the road to recovery after breaking his leg in 2018. Smith and Haskins have been working together via Zoom meetings throughout the offseason.
"Alex makes everybody comfortable," Haskins said. "Having watched [Smith's recovery] first-hand, I remember walking into the training room and you see his leg and it's like, 'Wow, you almost lost your life, you're leg is almost deformed and you're trying to get back in playing shape.' He just never quits. Every day, he's trying to find a way to get better.
"He was looking out for me a lot during the season, calling me. We used to pull up at the same time at the facility, parked next to each other. He's just a great dude."
Haskins, who claimed that he is in the best shape of his life, has also been virtually meeting with new Redskins offensive coordinator Scott Turner and new Washington quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese four times a week. Turner, who broke into the NFL with the Panthers in 2011, is entering his first full season as an NFL offensive coordinator. Zampese, who worked with Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton during his 15 seasons as an offensive assistant in Cincinnati, also worked with Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner in St. Louis and Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre in Green Bay.
"We're installing these plays, and I'm just excited about going into the next year," Haskins said about his virtual meetings with the Redskins' coaching staff. "Really just looking forward to being the guy leading the other guys in the locker room."
Haskins is also excited about getting the opportunity to enter the season as the Redskins' starting quarterback after starting his rookie season as a backup behind Case Keenum, who signed a multi-year deal to backup Baker Mayfield in Cleveland earlier this offseason. Washington has replaced Keenum with Kyle Allen, who started in relief of an injured Cam Newton during Rivera's final season in Carolina.
As it relates to Haskins, Rivera is hoping to see his second-year quarterback grow into a leader during their first season together.
"All the great ones have become leaders, and they've become leaders whether they're rookies or they're 10-, 12-year vets," Rivera said during his introductory press conference. "You've got to step up, you've got to be where you need to be, you've got to do things you're supposed to do."
