NFL Draft Profile: Darnell Washington, Tight End, Georgia Bulldogs
Darnell Washington
Georgia Bulldogs
#0
Pos: TE
Ht: 6065
Wt: 264
Hand: 1100
Arm: 3438
Wing: 8368
40: 4.64
DOB: 8/17/2001
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
High School: Desert Pines
Eligibility: 2023
One Liner:
Washington’s unique size profile makes him a hot commodity, but it also limits his upside as a high-volume pass catcher.
Evaluation:
Washington is ready to contribute on special teams and as a blocker early in his rookie season. He has experience playing in the slot but primarily served as an in-line tight end with the Bulldogs. Washington has a massive frame with ideal functional strength that gives him an advantage over most opponents. He appears to have exceptional arm length, which contributes to his commanding profile as a blocker. This past season, Washington imposed his will on defensive linemen like Oregon’s Brandon Dorlus. He effortlessly seals defenders, occasionally finishes defenders to the ground, and shows plenty of pop in his hands. Washington’s athleticism allows him to operate as the lead blocker on runs and screens, and he looks comfortable pulling for gap runs. On the perimeter, Washington’s size and power allow him to overwhelm defensive backs. When out-leveraged or initially beaten, the junior has the anchor and core strength to regain control. His blocking effectiveness translates to pass protection, where he’s able to identify and mirror potential threats. Washington uses his strength, powerful hands, and active arms to combat contact early in his routes. He displays good concentration at the catch point and adjusts to the ball over and around defenders. However, he was never a high-volume target in college and potentially offers a limited ceiling as an NFL pass catcher. Washington needs to diversify his limited route tree. Right now, he still looks like a bull in a china shop when running routes through crowded areas. He’s mostly a one-speed route runner and doesn’t generate separation at a high level. Washington lacks ideal acceleration, and his routes are more rounded than sharp. The former five-star recruit struggles to maintain speed into and out of his cuts. Despite his size, Washington doesn’t break many tackles because defenders know they can chop him down at the legs. The mammoth tight end committed five penalties in 2022. He occasionally allows defenders into his chest as a blocker and frequently loses the leverage battle because of his size. Washington guides and seals linemen but is inconsistent at generating displacement. There’s room to improve his framing of blocks. Washington projects best as the second tight end in a 12-personnel, gap-heavy scheme.
Grade:
3rd Round
Background:
Darnell Washington’s family battled poverty and homelessness during his childhood which earned him the 2019 Richard Nelson Courage Award, which is given to athletes who overcame adversities off the field. At Desert Pines High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, Washington was rated a five-star prospect, ranked within the top 20 prospects and the number 1 Tight End in the country. As well as playing Defensive End in high school, Washington also played varsity basketball and track before excelling as a Tight End. During the 2020 Under Armour All-America Game, Washington committed to Georgia on national television. As a freshman, Washington started in 7 of 10 games for Georgia and caught 7 balls for 166 yards. In 2021, Washington dealt with a foot injury that caused him to miss the first four games of the year. Starting in 6 of 11 total games played, Washington finished with 10 receptions, 154 yards, and 1 touchdown. In 2022, Washington broke out for 25 receptions, 403 yards, and 2 touchdowns and was named a team co-captain. After his success in 2022, Washington was honored as a John Mackey Award Semifinalist and as an All-SEC First Team member.
