USC Football: Trojans Star WR Possibly Being Overlooked Prior To NFL Draft
The USC Trojans have 15 players who have entered their names in the NFL Draft. It's not a guarantee all of them will be drafted; however, they'll look for an outstanding NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Day to boost their draft status.
It won't be easy, but these Trojans are ready for the challenge. One player who will need to be close to perfect to raise his stock is undersized senior wide receiver Tahj Washington.
Despite having a spectacular senior year in Southern California, Washington is not projected to be drafted high. In fact, Washington is projected to be taken in the sixth round.
Analysts aren't being too kind to Washington, including NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein. In his latest critique of Washington, Zierlein says his place in the NFL will be 'limited' and 'minimal.'
Washington’s measurables could work against him during the evaluation process, but his competitiveness and consistency should balance that out somewhat. He is a slot-only prospect with ordinary burst but above-average route acumen. He rarely creates big separation windows but makes up for it with an impressive win rate on contested catches. He’s fearless into the middle of the field and is a willing run blocker out of three-wide receiver sets. Washington is a talented return man and has some real dog in him on coverage teams. He should go on Day 3 and will fight for a roster spot as a WR5 with special teams value.
Zierlein didn't mince any words, and it's not his job to. However, Washington has proven doubters wrong. He came into college as a three-star wide receiver and didn't see much action to start his college career.
Over time, he made a name for himself in the college landscape and finished the season as one of the best receivers in the country. The fifth-year senior completed the year with 52 catches for 963 yards, an average of 18.5 yards per catch, six touchdowns, and an elite QB rating when targeted at 142.4.
Washington has been doubted his entire career, and I'm sure he didn't expect any difference in the NFL league. He'll look for an elite Scouting Combine, and we'll root for him.
