Georgia Bulldog Darnell Washington Has Jaw-Dropping NFL Combine
Real Georgia Fans Don’t Miss the Dawg Post Newsletter - Sign up now!
ATHENS - Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs had one of the biggest freaks in college football on their roster for the last three seasons in dynamic tight end, Darnell Washington.
A former 5-star prospect out of Las Vegas, Nevada from Desert Pines High School, Washington brought a unique blend of size, toughness, and the ability to block like a tight end in Athens.
Whether he was burying defenders in thee run game, jumping over defenders after the catch, or making big receptions in the passing game, it was fun to watch Washington play in Athens. A physically gifted player who got better and better over his three years in Athens, Washington is now showing why he might be the very best tight end in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Georgia Bulldogs go Back to Back!
Reserve Your Copy of DOUBLE DAWGS NOW!
Measured in at 6-foot-7 and 264-pounds, Washington’s frame and pass-catching ability were on full display on Saturday.
Washington ran an official 4.64-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, the 4th-fastest by any TE weighing 260+ lbs since 2003. Washington also recorded a 10'2" broad jump, the 2nd-longest of any TE since 2003.
His physical traits were easy to notice, but it’s hard to find someone his size who can run and chance directions the way Washington did. Along with his eye-opening 40 time, the big Bulldog tight end also recorded a 4.08 short shuttle time. According to NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler, only 4 TE/FB have posted a better short shuttle time over the last 10 years, and none of them were over 255 pounds.
Of course, Washington also showed off his hands, hauling in an impressive one-handed snag on the sideline. He’s a big, reliable target in the passing game, and showed throughout his career than he can block on the edge as well as any tight end in college football.
GEORGIA BASEBALL RETRO SNAPBACK CAP
You Can't Find This Anywhere Else!
At Georgia, Washington played more and more as his career went on, and after an excellent junior season and winning two consecutive national championships, Washington declared for the draft back in January.
During his time in Athens, Washington caught 45 total passes for 774 yards and three touchdowns. All while serving up pancakes left and right in the run game.
As a junior in 2022, Washington has his best year as a pass-catcher, hauling in 28 passes for 454 yards and two touchdowns.
He may not have been as productive as teammate Brock Bowers, but it’s safe to say Washington was a cruicial piece to the Bulldog offense over the last two seasons. He came to Athens as a 5-star prospect, and there’s a chance he ends up as an NFL 1st-rround selection after an outstanding showing at the NFL Combine.