Darnell Washington is a FREAK, but he likely won’t be available when the Dolphins are on the clock in April

Georgia tight finish Darnell Washington was one of many hottest names heading into the 2023 NFL scouting mix — at the very least amongst Miami Dolphins followers. However after his efficiency on Saturday, the possibility that he’s accessible when Miami is on the clock appears an increasing number of unlikely by the day.

Standing at 6’6, 264 kilos, Washington placed on a clinic on the mix. He ran a 4.64 within the 40-yard sprint and had the second-fastest 20-yard shuttles among all wide receivers and tight ends at this weekend’s combine. (Solely Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a sooner time) He additionally made probably the most spectacular catches we might have ever seen on the mix.

Nonetheless, probably the most interesting issues about Washington isn’t his avenger-like body, go-go gadget arms, or potential to bulldoze over defenders within the open subject. No, the factor that makes Washington so interesting, ESPECIALLY in Mike McDaniel’s offense, is that he’s an #elite blocker. One thing the Dolphins haven’t had in fairly a while. Here he is, moving the blocking sled like it’s present-day Rey Mysterio Jr.

Washington to Miami does appear extraordinarily, extraordinarily unlikely, however there’s a sliver of hope. As Three Yard Per Carry’s Chris Kouffman pointed out on Twitter, the common draft place for the second tight finish coming off the board within the final ten NFL drafts is decide #53. The third tight finish? Choose #66. Sadly, the Dolphins gained’t be on the clock till day two (#51), because of Mr. Ross tampering with Tom Brady.

That is noteworthy as a result of the 2023 NFL draft class is loaded with proficient gamers. It additionally seems to be one of many higher tight-end draft courses in current reminiscence. A few of the draft’s high tight ends embody Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave, Iowa’s Sam LaPorta, South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft, and Previous Dominion’s Zack Kuntz, to call a couple of.

After which there’s Utah’s Dalton Kincaid, who was extremely considered among the best tight ends on this class heading into the mix. Kincaid, sadly, was unable to take part within the mix after struggling a minor fracture in his again. Might an NFL crew have him ranked forward of Washington, even after that spectacular mix? Much more doubtless, may groups go on one of many top-tier tight ends as a result of this draft class is loaded with potential?

There’s additionally another choice; the Dolphins may as soon as once more do one thing daring and commerce as much as purchase Washington in the event that they really feel like he could be the lacking piece in Mike McDaniel’s offense. In any case, including a well-rounded participant like Washington may trigger matches for opposing defenses. Not solely as a pass-catcher however as an extra offensive lineman in run conditions.

It’s a bit too early to inform, and stranger issues have occurred, however for now, Darnell Washington will stay on my 2023 All-Pipe Dream record. As a result of after that mix, I can’t see a crew just like the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, or Los Angeles Chargers — who’ve a necessity for a good finish AND a first-round decide — passing on such an #elite participant. Fortunately, for us Dolphins followers, this draft class is LOADED!

What are your ideas on Darnell Washington’s spectacular mix? Do you suppose the Dolphins ought to commerce up for a participant of his caliber? Is there one other tight finish that you just want? What do you suppose is Miami’s greatest want heading into free company and the draft? Tell us within the feedback part beneath!