Commander Country

NFL Draft: Could Commanders Upgrade TE Position With Georgia Standout?

The Commanders are in a unique position heading into the NFL Draft, so could they use a first-round pick on a physically imposing tight end from Georgia in Darnell Washington?

Adam Schultz

In this story:

The Washington Commanders have done a superb job in free agency. The franchise has kept together the majority of the defense and on offense, it has made moves to fortify the offensive line.

Such has been the organization's offseason moves, Washington heads into the draft being able to take the best player available. While the offensive line could still be seen as a need, the tight end position needs addressing.

That's where Georgia standout Darnell Washington comes in.

The 6-7, 264-pound tight end is a physical specimen and ran a 4.65 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.

So how could he help Washington's tight end room?

Last season, the offense got little from its tight ends regarding production in the passing game. Washington's four tight ends combined for just 60 receptions and 513 yards. 

Regarding Washington, the hulking tight end can be a useful blocker in the run game simply because of his sheer size, and seeing as the Commanders were a heavy run team last season, he could be of extreme value. 

On top of that, while not the polished pass catcher like other tight ends in the draft, Washington has superb hands, and his catch radius is bigger than most.

Washington had a career year for Georgia, catching 28 passes for 454 yards and two touchdowns. While those numbers don't suggest surefire Week 1 production, but getting the ball in his hands and letting the tight end go to work could result in some serious production.

Not the most well-rounded tight end in the class, but Washington possesses enormous upside, and with Eric Bieniemy taking the wheel of the offense, he will put the rookie in favorable matchups.

With the current tight-end unit struggling for production, adding Washington and allowing him to develop could mean the Commanders have a monster on their hands for the foreseeable future.

Follow Adam Schultz on Twitter

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.

Follow Commander Country on Twitter.

Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the SI.com team page here

Published
Adam Schultz
ADAM SCHULTZ

Home/News