The 2023 NFL Draft is full of great athletes at tight end, but Georgia’s Darnell Washington may be the best among them.
Case in point: his jaw-dropping performance at the 2023 NFL Combine.
Washington was one of the stars of Saturday’s session. The quarterbacks who went before him — a group that included Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud and Will Levis — may have gotten more attention than the big-bodied blocker, but he made plenty of plays during his time that wowed talent evaluators.
MORE: Anthony Richardson sets NFL Combine records during impressive workout
None was more impressive than the catch Washington made to close the tight end workout. He was given a chance to run a second goal-line fade after the quarterback underthrew him on his first.
He did not disappoint on his second rep, as he managed to reel in the pass 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 highlight of Washington’s combine, and it will certainly be a part of his sizzle reel during 2023 NFL Draft broadcasts.
IYER: Where will Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer land in 2023 NFL Draft?
That said, it was far from Washington’s only impressive moment Saturday. His workouts started on a positive note: he was able to blaze a 4.65-second 40-yard dash after measuring in at 6-6 1/2 and 265 pounds earlier in the day.
His 40 time was good for sixth-fastest among the tight ends who ran.
DARNELL. WASHINGTON.
The @GeorgiaFootball TE is 6’6″, 264 pounds and clocked a 4.65u.
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/fIlcB2WFf6— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2023
Beyond that, Washington showed his strength and fluid movements in the blocking drills. In particular, he shined in the sled drill; he was able to generate power and move the sled downfield with ease.
Darnell Washington pushing the sled then other TEs for reference. 😳
Some GM is gonna get an extra OL who is also fast and can catch. pic.twitter.com/lIU20evvxV
— Jon Tweets Sports (@jontweetssports) March 5, 2023
Washington’s draft stock will certainly be on the rise following this performance. He was already widely considered a top-50 player in the draft and one of the top tight ends on the board.
MORE: Latest SN NFL Mock Draft 2023 | Top 125 big board
Now, Washington may have a chance to work his way into first-round consideration. At the very least, he should be favored to be the second tight end selected after Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer.
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