Leonard Hankerson might have been number 79 on the NFL’s big draft board last weekend, but he’s quickly becoming number on in the hearts of Washington Redskins fans. Over the weekend, he tweeted out a photo of himself dressed in ‘Skins gear and told a local radio station that he was learning to hate the Cowboys.
Then on Tuesday, Hankerson was back on radio again. This time he told WJFK-FM that he was the best pass-catcher available.
I think I’m the best receiver in the draft. Of course I do. I feel like I can make plays just like each and every other receivers do. I feel like I can block, run routes and go up and get the ball. I can make plays. I broke every single-season receiving record [at Miami] this year. I feel like I can do it all. I feel like I can be dependable. I feel like I can be someone the team can lean on to make plays for the team and do whatever it takes.”
Hankerson even had a laugh at the Atlanta Falcons giving up the farm to move up and draft Julio Jones.
Of course every year there are guys who feel like they should have been drafted higher. How Hankerson channels that disappointment will determine a lot about his NFL future. He could resemble a young, motivated Randy Moss who destroyed all of the teams that snubbed him. Or he could end up as the early version of Mike Williams who didn’t work hard, got fat and was bounced out of the league before finally putting it together for Seattle this past season.
But for now, Redskins fans have to love his attitude. Now if they only knew who is going to throw Hankerson the ball.
(H/T t0 Half Smokes)