The Cincinnati Bengals and Georgia tight end Darnell Washington keep coming up together ahead of the 2023 NFL draft.
Washington has been mocked to the Bengals more than a few times and now ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has singled out the two parties together, suggesting the Bengals are the best fit in the draft for Washington’s skill set:
Why he fits: Let’s give quarterback Joe Burrow an upside target in Washington, a tight end with the physical traits to develop into a dominant run blocker and create mismatches in the pass game. He can use his size and power to seal the edge on outside zone run schemes or move defenders off the ball in gap schemes. And with his 4.64 speed and long frame, Washington has the potential to produce as a second-level option for Burrow while also creating conflict for linebackers and safeties in the red zone. He has post-up ability to dig out space in the end zone.
It would be very hard to complain about the Bengals adding a 6’7″ weapon to the offense who is already a very strong blocker, meaning he could function as an extra offensive lineman in some sets.
While Washington wasn’t the most productive as a receiver for a few reasons, he’d be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses that already have to account for the big three at wideout. He would also simply vary the schemes the Bengals can run, making them hard to prep for each week.
Washington might not be the favorite for the Bengals if he’s on the board at No. 28, but these factors likely keep him in the running.
