The 2023 NFL Draft is stuffed with nice athletes at tight finish, however Georgia’s Darnell Washington could also be the very best amongst them.
Working example: his jaw-dropping efficiency on the 2023 NFL Mix.
Washington was one of many stars of Saturday’s session. The quarterbacks who went earlier than him — a gaggle that included Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud and Will Levis — could have gotten extra consideration than the big-bodied blocker, however he made loads of performs throughout his time that wowed expertise evaluators.
MORE: Anthony Richardson units NFL Mix data throughout spectacular exercise
None was extra spectacular than the catch Washington made to shut the tight finish exercise. He was given an opportunity to run a second goal-line fade after the quarterback underthrew him on his first.
He didn’t disappoint on his second rep, as he managed to reel within the move one-handed.
OH MY, DARNELL WASHINGTON.
WHAT A CATCH. @GeorgiaFootball
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/OYN4vaJ4a3
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2023
That play was the spotlight of Washington’s mix, and it’ll actually be part of his sizzle reel throughout 2023 NFL Draft broadcasts.
IYER: The place will Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer land in 2023 NFL Draft?
That mentioned, it was removed from Washington’s solely spectacular second Saturday. His exercises began on a optimistic notice: he was in a position to blaze a 4.65-second 40-yard sprint after measuring in at 6-6 1/2 and 265 kilos earlier within the day.
His 40 time was good for sixth-fastest among the many tight ends who ran.
DARNELL. WASHINGTON.
The @GeorgiaFootball TE is 6’6″, 264 kilos and clocked a 4.65u.
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/fIlcB2WFf6
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2023
Past that, Washington confirmed his energy and fluid actions within the blocking drills. Specifically, he shined within the sled drill; he was in a position to generate energy and transfer the sled downfield with ease.
Darnell Washington pushing the sled then different TEs for reference. 😳
Some GM is gonna get an additional OL who can be quick and may catch. pic.twitter.com/lIU20evvxV
— Jon Tweets Sports activities (@jontweetssports) March 5, 2023
Washington’s draft inventory will definitely be on the rise following this efficiency. He was already broadly thought of a top-50 participant within the draft and one of many prime tight ends on the board.
MORE: Newest SN NFL Mock Draft 2023 | Prime 125 massive board
Now, Washington could have an opportunity to work his method into first-round consideration. On the very least, he needs to be favored to be the second tight finish chosen after Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer.