http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/While commenting on the Redskins' receiving corps this offseason, Vinny Cerrato, Washington's executive vice president of football operations, often mentions his excitement about the potential of wide receiver Anthony Mix. "I like him," Cerrato said. "We're going to give him a chance to show us what he can do."
Mix, a college teammate of quarterback Jason Campbell at Auburn who was signed from the New York Giants' practice squad on Nov. 20, performed well while playing on special teams in six games last season. Now, the Redskins are eager to learn more about Mix's receiving skills. At 6 feet 5 and 235 pounds, Mix could fill the Redskins' need for a big wide receiver, and he welcomes the opportunity to try.
"It makes me feel great that they've identified me as being someone who has the talent, so that they want to give me a chance," Mix said after workouts today at Redskins Park. "All anybody can ask for is an opportunity, that's what this is all about, and my window of opportunity is here. I'm going to work hard this offseason to take advantage of it."
Mix, 25, went undrafted in 2006 and signed with the Giants as a free agent. He is raw (Mix has only three receptions for 39 yards in nine NFL games), but with the team switching to a West Coast offense for next season, the Redskins believe Campbell could benefit from having a big target.
The Redskins pursued former free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett (they offered Hackett a minimum contract), who signed with the Carolina Panthers. Although the team is expected to draft at least one wide receiver, Mix has the inside track at joining starting wide receivers Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El as a key member of the Redskins' new-look offense.
"They didn't sign any big names in free agency, and that makes me feel kind of good," Mix said. "That's showing confidence in me. That's showing that they see something in me.
"I think they're looking to see big things out of me, which is good for me. I'm not nervous at all about it. I'm excited about it. A lot of people wait for that big break; this might be my big break."
Campbell acknowledged he encouraged Redskins officials to consider signing Mix because "I thought he was someone who could help the team." Mix appreciates his friend's support and looks forward to reconnecting with Campbell on the field when minicamp begins May 2.
"I played with Jason for three years at Auburn, I know how he works, so it should" help him, Mix said. "I have to get used to his ball again because I haven't played with him in awhile. It's not like you just jump back out there and the timing is down like it used to be, you have to work at it, but we'll see what we can do once we get started again. I'm ready."
