Former Georgia tight end Darnell Washington will turn heads no matter where he is.
The 6-foot-7, 270 pound pass-catcher is simply a freak, who can be a huge difference-maker at the next level if used correctly.
Ahead of the 2023 NFL draft, USA TODAY’s Draft Wire wrote a piece evaluating the Las Vegas native.
The former five-star prospect clocked a 4.64 40-yard dash (sixth among tight ends) with a 4.08 20-yard shuttle (first).
Washington caught 28 passes for 454 yards (16.2 average) and two touchdowns in 2022.
Even though he’s been labeled primarily as a blocker, Washington’s catching ability was on stage at the combine and he didn’t disappoint.
Via Draft Wire:
While not heavily involved in the passing game at Georgia, that is not due to a lack of talent, and while Washington does not have elite movement skills or high-end speed he is athletic enough in his body to be considered a threat anywhere on the field and especially in the red area. He uses his body well in boxing out defenders and catches through contact. With the ball in his hands, he is good at turning his body upfield and using his athleticism and size to churn out extra yards including just straight-up bulldozing defenders.
Blocking is where Washington shines most. While he isn’t as foundationally as secure as an offensive lineman, he does use his body well and is often able to match up with edge defenders as an almost swing tackle. He moves well downfield as a lead blocker and is quite the sight to see in momentum running at defensive backs. He is very bought-in as a blocker and gives max effort on each play. He was a key contributor to Georgia’s dominant running attack.
ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller recently released his seven-round mock draft, which saw Washington go at No. 56 overall in the second round to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Draft Wire provided its projection as well:
Washington is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft just based on his skill ceiling. His blocking is excellent already as well, and will likely go as high as any other tight end because of it.
Projection: Top 40 Pick
The draft takes place April 27-29.
