The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Darnell Washington 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Tight End
School: Georgia
Size: 6-foot-7, 270 Pounds
Class: Junior
2022 stats: 28 receptions, 454 receiving yards, 16.2 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns
Washington was in a crowded tight end room at Georgia, but could still show his skill. He is now in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a five-star prospect, Washington left his home state of Nevada to sign with Georgia. In four games as a freshman, Washington had seven catches for 166 yards. The next season in 2021, Washington caught 10 passes for 154 yards and one touchdown. His play helped Georgia win the National Championship. For his junior season, Washington increased his production with 28 receptions for 454 receiving yards and two touchdowns to help Georgia repeat as champions.
Following back-to-back national championships, Washington declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He is a projected first or second-round pick.
The first thing people will notice about Washington is his size. He has elite size for the position at 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds. His size gives him a huge catch radius, but also makes him a mismatch for defenders to guard him. There aren’t many tight ends with his size and his body is well-filled-out and ready for the NFL level.
Washington can create yardage after he catches the football. He has solid speed for his size, as long as he is moving in a straight line. His size and strength help him run through defenders, as he is not afraid to get physical. He shows solid vision when the ball is in his hands, which The end of the play rarely comes right after the catch for Washington.
His blocking can help him stay on the field for all situations. He run blocks well, showing good strength and the ability to get to the second level. Washington can outmuscle linebackers, but has even been used to block defensive linemen. He keeps his pad-level low and uses his physicality well. Washington was also used as a pass-protector and was successful at that as well.
While he has good athleticism for his size, he is far from an elite athlete at the position. He can run fast in a straight line, but does have trouble changing directions. Washington does not have the greatest burst either, meaning his athleticism is good for his size, but maybe just normal for the position overall.
Washington struggles to run good routes. He doesn’t get in and out of his breaks quickly, which allows defenders to stick with him. His ability to make contested catches is nice, but he may rely on hit because he lacks the ability to separate consistently. At Georgia, he also ran a limited route tree.
His hands will also need work at the next level. He has a huge catch radius and can make incredible catches, but does have too many drops. Washington can look the ball all the way in and not look to turn up the field before he possesses it.
Projected Draft Range: First-Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Draft Grade: First-Round Pick
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