2023 NFL Draft: Darnell Washington and Other Winners at Tight End

Darnell Washington was one of the biggest winners of the combine this week, which should land him squarely on the Jaguars' radar.

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine has been an eye-opening event. 

Each year, the combine offers draft prospects a chance to either boost or tank their stock based on their performances in the 49-yard dash vertical and broad jump, three-cone, short shuttle, bench press, and much more. 

This year has been no different, with some prospects impressing enough to add a rocket onto their stock, while others are beginning to fall behind the crowd. 

With the Jacksonville Jaguars holding nine picks in April's draft, including the No. 24 overall pick, the combine help set the stage for just what this year's class will have to offer them. 

So, which players have stood out and how? We break it down below, starting with tight ends. 

Darnell Washington, Georgia

One of the biggest and most intimidating figures in this year's draft class, Georgia's Darnell Washington is a huge winner. The gargantuan tight end prospect came in with arms over 34 inches, an almost ecord-breaking 11-inch hands, and a true record-breaking wingspan of 83 3/4”. Add in an easy-moving 4.64 40-yard dash and 1.61 10-yard split, an elite 10'02" broad jump, and an unreal 4.08 shuttle time at 264 pounds and it is hard to not imagine him as the biggest winner at tight end. 

Washington has always been seen as a high-ceiling prospect thanks to rare physical traits that already pop off on tape. But the fact that he showed he is also an explosive and agile athlete at record-breaking size and length goes a long way toward establishing him as a potential option at No. 24 overall.

Luke Musgrave, Oregon State

It is important to not "count results twice" when it comes to the combine. For example, if a player already looked athletic on tape, then a strong performance at the combine should confirm priors, but not compound them. Oregon State's Luke Musgrave is a good example of this, with the productive pass-catcher already being billed as an athletic mismatch entering the week.

Still, it is worth seeing just how easily Musgrave met the expectations set for him. He came in at a good size (heavier than Michael Mayer, for example), but also hit good marks in the 40, 10-yard split, vertical jump, and broad jump. He didn't do agility drills, but he tested like a great athlete, not just a good one.

Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan

A player who already looked like a solid prospect coming into the week, Michigan's Luke Schoonmaker did a lo for his stock during the athletic testing. The former starting Michigan Wolverine tight end has a terrific showing in the broad jump with a 10'07" mark, while also running a 4.63 40-yard dash at 251 pounds. Add in an impressive showing in the short shuttle and Schoonmaker checked every box he could.

Sam LaPorta, Iowa

Iowa tight ends have had a productive run in the NFL in recent years and Sam LaPorta could be the next name in line. While he does not have the size of a traditional Iowa blocking tight end, that isn't his game. His game is using his speed to get upfield and threaten defenses down the seam and the combine matched that, with a terrific 4.59 to, a 6.91 3-cone, and a 10'03" broad jump that reflected his speed, agility and explosion moving forward. 

Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State

While Tucker Kraft didn't have the 40-yard time of some of his counterparts, he still produced an acceptable 4.69 at 254 pounds. With that said, the numbers that stood out were his 1.59-second ten-yard split and a 10'02" broad jump, numbers that show he has the explosion off of the line to threaten any defense and linebacker. With plenty of experience and production already on his resume, those numbers make Kraft look like a worthwhile all-around tight end prospect.