Saints Draft Prospect: Darnell Washington
New Orleans Saints TE Juwan Johnson was one of the team’s most pleasant surprises of 2022. Johnson caught 42 passes for 508 yards and a team-high 7 touchdowns, nearly tripling his production from his first two seasons. He was second on the team in receiving yardage and third in targets (65) and receptions.
A converted wideout, Johnson has blossomed into a bona-fide receiving threat since being an undrafted rookie from Oregon in 2020. At 6'4" and 231-Lbs., he's not a strong in-line blocker. Adam Trautman, a third-round choice from Dayton in 2020, usually takes those duties. However, Trautman has been an inconsistent blocker and offers virtually nothing as a receiver. He has just 60 receptions for 641 yards and four scores in three seasons.
The Saints may be interested in bringing in a more traditional two-way tight end for their offense. They brought in Foster Moreau for a free-agent visit, but a medical check-up revealed that he has Hodgkins lymphoma.
New Orleans may opt to bring in a tight end out of what looks to be a strong draft class. One of the top candidates out of this class comes in as a major contributor for back-to-back national championship teams.
TE - Darnell Washington
Georgia (Jr.)
6'7" 264-Lbs.
Jan 9, 2023; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Darnell Washington (0) after a catch against TCU Horned Frogs safety Abraham Camara (14) during the CFP national championship. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY
Washington turned heads from the moment he stepped onto the Georgia campus, catching seven passes for 164 yards in four games as a true freshman. He missed the first five games of 2021 following foot surgery, but rebounded for 10 catches and 154 yards over the last eight contests.
The Bulldogs rolled through the 2022 campaign on their way to consecutive national titles. Washington and fellow TE Brock Bowers were huge parts of that run. Bowers was the main receiving threat, catching 63 passes for 942 yards and 7 scores.
Washington was the dominant blocker, but finished fourth on the team with 28 catches for 454 yards and 4 touchdowns. His Georgia career finished with 45 receptions, 774 yards, and 3 scores. He then put on an impressive display at the NFL Scouting Combine, posting a 40 time of 4.64, 10-yard split of 1.57, 20-yard shuttle of 4.08, 10'2" broad jump, and 31" vertical jump.
Used mostly as a blocker in Georgia's offense, Washington didn't get extensive work as a receiver. He wasn't asked to run much of an expanded route tree at all, often with just one or two simple variations per game. His stature and below average change-of-direction severely limits his route precision.
Despite his frame, Washington wasn't a factor in the red zone, catching only three career touchdowns. His technique as a blocker must vastly improve, especially footwork and hand placement. Too often, he was reliant on his ability to physically dominate an opponent.
Dec 4, 2021; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Darnell Washington (0) makes a touchdown reception over Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (10) in the SEC championship. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY
Washington's receiving skills were underutilized in college, but he has the ability to create several mismatches with his size and straight line speed.
Most defensive backs and even some linebackers are no match for his physicality, while his speed and stride creates separation quickly on defenders. He also has very good tracking skills on deep throws in spite of his inexperience, giving his quarterback a big target down the seam and along the sideline.
Washington has natural hands and will secure a catch away from his body even in heavy traffic. He shows outstanding concentration in congested areas and has excellent body control to adjust to off-target throws while providing a huge catch radius. As a ball carrier in the open field, he's a load to bring down. He uses that same physicality to box out defenders as a pass catcher.
An elite drive blocker, Washington was often an extension of Georgia's offensive line. He blocks with the ferocity of a tackle on run plays and will overwhelm opposing linebackers or batter defensive ends. He's also able to provide excellent pass protection when asked to stay in, and can also fluidly slide out for late-developing screens or check down throws.
Dec 3, 2022; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Darnell Washington (0) catches a touchdown pass behind LSU Tigers linebacker Micah Baskerville (23) during the first half during the SEC Championship. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Darnell Washington will be drafted likely no later than midway through Day 2, perhaps even on opening night, because of his elite blocking skills. The team that selects him will also get a player with tremendous upside as a receiver.
If the Saints are that team, he'll give New QB Derek Carr a huge target in the middle and a physical force as a run blocker. Washington's presence will also greatly increase the effectiveness of Juwan Johnson on two TE sets and open up the entire New Orleans offense.
