The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could possibly be chosen by the Inexperienced Bay Packers within the 2023 NFL draft.

The Inexperienced Bay Packers could possibly be dropping veteran tight finish Marcedes Lewis to free company or retirement this offseason. 

The previous first-round choose has been a gradual, dependable presence within the locker room and on the sector throughout his 5 years in Inexperienced Bay. Lewis has endured himself to the Inexperienced Bay devoted along with his willingness to do the soiled work and his management within the locker room will likely be onerous to exchange. 

With the veteran tight finish and Robert Tonyan doubtlessly on their manner out of Inexperienced Bay, the Packers will seemingly look so as to add a decent finish or two within the upcoming draft. 

A participant that Brian Gutekunst may goal early within the 2023 NFL Draft is Darnell Washington. The Georgia tight finish checks in at No. 72 within the Unpacking Future Packers countdown. 

Darnell Washington @_Dwfootball11
6’8″ , 265 lbs , TE , 2020
Desert Pines Excessive Faculty,
2019 Playoffs
Arbor View vs. Desert Pines @AlabamaFTBL @GeorgiaFootball @oregonfootball @Vol_Football @FloridaFootball @CanesFootball @dphs_athletics @DP_JagsFootball @bangulo @adamgorney pic.twitter.com/P7AFDjATlb

— ♠️96PRODUCTIONS ♠️ (@NINETY6Q) November 23, 2019

A five-star recruit out of Nevada, Washington completed this previous season with 28 receptions for 454 yards and two touchdowns.

Not precisely eye-popping numbers, as Washington took a backseat to Brock Bowers and as a substitute developed into top-of-the-line blocking tight ends within the nation throughout his time at Georgia.

“Darnell was extraordinarily dependable all through Georgia’s 2022 nationwide championship season,” Matt DeBary, a reporter for DawgPost.com mentioned. “On an offense loaded with weapons, Washing hardly ever left the sector. He was a reliable run blocker for a Bulldog offense that had no downside working the soccer all season lengthy. He was a giant goal within the passing sport who made probably the most of his alternatives. Georgia had loads of different choices within the passing sport, however Washington was all the time a dependable possibility when the ball got here his manner.”

He is not a dude. You are a dude. This can be a man.

Darnell Washington isn’t a dude. pic.twitter.com/wicgv9kOSk

— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) October 26, 2022

Washington is a monster. At 6-7, 275 kilos, Washington is an imposing determine on the gridiron. With that measurement, Washington can overwhelm defenders on the level of assault. He’s a individuals mover along with his energy. He’s capable of seal and wall off exterior working lanes. Having him on the sector is like having a sixth offensive lineman on the sector. 

“He has been an impactful blocker since his freshman season,” DeBary mentioned. “Resulting from his measurement and size, he can swallow up smaller edge defenders and bury opposing linebackers into the bottom. He was an every-down tight finish and straightforward to run behind in short-yardage and goal-line conditions.”

Washington was a high-school large receiver and has pure pass-catching talents. He has robust, dependable palms. Based on Professional Soccer Focus, Washington had simply two drops this previous season.

Darnell Washington WITH ONE HAND 🤯 @GeorgiaFootball pic.twitter.com/7zn3OvgxUu

— SEC Community (@SECNetwork) October 15, 2022

Along with his measurement, Washington has the makings of a strolling mismatch contained in the 20s. He has no challenge making catches in site visitors and is well capable of outmuscle defensive backs on the catch level.

The Georgia tight finish accelerates easily off the road of scrimmage to rapidly enter his route. Washington has the velocity and size to be a downfield risk within the passing sport. The highschool large receiver averaged 17.2 yards per reception throughout his time as a Bulldog.  After the catch, Washington is a load to carry down for defensive backs. Based on PFF, Washington had 201 yards after the catch this previous season.

“As a pass-catcher, he’s a giant red-zone weapon resulting from his measurement and talent to grab the ball away from smaller defenders,” DeBary mentioned. “He’s additionally powerful to carry down after the catch and does an amazing job of falling down for a few further yards on a constant foundation. He’s powerful to carry down by only one defender and may choose up yards in a rush resulting from his lengthy strides and bodily working type.”

There’s a lot to love about Washington’s sport. His measurement, his effort as a blocker, and his upside within the passing sport all make him a beautiful goal. DeBary mentioned that groups will love his willingness to do no matter it takes to assist the crew win.

“His biggest energy is his versatility,” DeBary mentioned. “He was used extra as a run-blocker, however he may additionally cut up out large and block larger defensive backs on the perimeter with ease. He’s onerous to overlook down the sector within the passing sport, however his greatest energy was getting used as a flexible blocker within the run sport, making an impression irrespective of the place he was lined up.”

Match with the Packers

The Packers could possibly be dropping two veteran tight ends this offseason and Josiah Deguara is at present solely the notable tight finish beneath contract. 

Washington has the instruments to step in from day one and supply a right away impression as a blocker and a weapon within the passing sport. 

It’s onerous to think about the Packers deciding on Washington at 15. If he’s on the board when the Packers are on the clock within the second spherical Gutekunst may add the behemoth tight finish. 

“There simply aren’t many gamers like him,” DeBary mentioned. “In the suitable system, it’s simple to see why offensive coordinators may use him in each the run and passing sport. His versatility, toughness, and total measurement ought to permit him to make a big effect early on if drafted to a spot that may be artistic with how they use him.”

Washington is an in-line tight finish that might step in instantly and assist a crew’s speeding assault along with his skill as a blocker. That alone may make him a beautiful possibility for the Packers as they give the impression of being to reload on the tight finish place.