The thing about Darnell Washington that is amazing is that at his size, length, and build, he is as athletic as he is. His pure size makes him difficult to cover alone, but when you add his catch radius some of the catches he made, it’s insane. Washington didn’t produce as much as he could have because he played behind Brock Bowers, who should be a first round pick in 2024. 

Does Washington present some upside? Certainly, but some if it may never be realized. His athleticism and strength won’t be getting any better, but his route tree can expand and he can clean up his blocking technique. Even with that, does it expand his game that much? Very debatable. I think there is some, but it’s not really substantial. 

A few nicks and bruises here and there. Washington sustained a foot injury in practice in 2021 that held him out for a game and he suffered an ankle injury in the playoff game against Ohio State (2023) that forced him to miss a half of football. 

Darnell Washington’s scouting report

Athletic Ability (40)

Speed/Athleticism: 15

• Speed (5.5/7) – Very good speed, especially for his size. Right on the average for NFL tight ends overall. 
• Change of Direction (3/4) – Doesn’t do a great job changing direction, but had a play design where he runs a whip route that he executed pretty well. His short shuttle was elite. 
• Body Control (3.5/4) – Body control is insane. 

Strength/Power: 15 

• Upper Body Strength (4.5/5) – Excellent upper body strength. Very powerful arms and upper body frame allow him to bully and brute his way through his assignment. 
• Lower Body Strength (4/5) – Very solid lower frame that allows him to drive or set as needed. 
• Power (4.5/5) – Absolute monster of a player with ridiculous power. 

Acceleration/Burst: 10 

• Acceleration (2.5/5) – Does appear to struggle with his acceleration. Takes a few steps to really get moving. 
• Explosiveness (3.5/5) – Relatively explosive. Certainly shows it at times with his vertical ability. 

Receiving Ability (35)

Route Running: 10 

• Footwork (3/5) – Getting better as a route runner. Really shows some control and efficient footwork through his breaks. Size will always limit him but for his size, he’s not bad. 
• Route Tree (3/5) – Ran a decent route tree at Georgia, but not a great one. 

Catch Ability: 15 

• Natural Hands (8/10) – Very solid catch radius. Very big, strong hands. Showed the ability to strong hand footballs at the Combine. 
• Consistency (3/5) – Struggles with concentration drops. 

Contested Catch Ability: 10 

• Vertical Ability (4.5/5) – Offers some vertical ability just with his frame, length, and ability to get up and collect footballs. While his numbers don’t compare to a lot of tight ends too well, his size makes up for it. Certainly can high point the football and win. 
• Catch through contact (4/5) – Certainly flashes the ability to win contested catches. Has the strength and the size to do so. Does well to box out defenders and prevent them from working back into the play. 

Blocking Ability (20)

Pass Blocking: 10 

• Strength (4/5) – Offers some strength as a pass blocker. Has some lateral quickness to hold up well. 
• Technique (2.5/5) – Pass blocking technique was not great. Tends to lounge and doesn’t try to set as effectively. Better pass blocker than a lot of tight ends in the NFL. 

Run Blocking: 10 

• Strength (4.5/5) – Very strong run blocker. Great downhill effectiveness, especially on the edge. 
• Technique (2.5/5) – Doesn’t have great run-blocking technique. Struggles to get hands on players effectively and maintain blocks and leverage. Will use his power to dominate blocks. 

Overall: (79) – 1st/2nd Round