4 potential Commanders targets that blew up the 2023 NFL Combine
By Dean Jones
Commanders could draft Darnell Washington
- Tight End | Georgia Bulldogs
Even though the Washington Commanders have been stating their happiness with the team’s current tight-end options, it hasn’t stopped them from taking a keen interest in some prospects with high upside during their week at the NFL Scouting Combine.
One such individual that met with the Commanders was Darnell Washington. The physical specimen is one of the more intriguing tight ends set to take their chances at the next level this spring and his performance on Saturday was nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Washington’s size and athleticism could be a severe problem. Many unfairly projected the one-time Georgia player to be a blocking specialist, which he quashed by crisp route-running and assured hands during drills to send his stock through the roof.
His one-handed catch, in particular, was arguably the day’s best highlight and drew gasps from those fortunate enough to witness it for themselves.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1632181022887403520
There’s a high chance that Washington gets first-round consideration after this. His targets were limited with the Bulldogs thanks to Brock Bowers – a future top-10 pick in his own right – but there’s just telling how much better he could be with more responsibilities in the NFL.
Unless the Commanders trade down for additional assets, Washington is unlikely to be around when they’re on the clock in Round No. 2. He was head and shoulders above any other tight end in Indianapolis, which won’t go unnoticed by others around the league.