Bucs Hosting A Top Tight End On Top 30 Visit

It appears that the Bucs are highly considering addressing the tight end position beyond Cade Otton and Ko Kieft. This afternoon it was reported that the team is hosting Georgia tight end Darnell Washington on a pre-draft visit.

The announcement of Darnell Washington’s visit is exactly one week after it was reported that Michigan tight end Luke Schoonmaker would also meet with the team. It makes sense that the team is considering adding to the tight end room, especially after general manager Jason Licht’s comments last week.

Michigan TE Luke Schoonmaker Photo By: USA Today

In mentioning the class at his press conference, Licht stated, “It’s probably one of the deepest [classes] it’s been in at least 10 years.”

The team is finalizing its draft plans, but based on these visits, the Bucs may be looking to capitalize on the available depth.

“Cade could’ve had 100 catches last year, and we’d still be looking at tight ends,” Licht added. We love the role that Ko thas, and we love the role that Cade has, [but] it’s always good to have more weapons.”

Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, Utah’s Dalton Kincaid, Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave, and Iowa’s Sam LaPorta are regarded as some of the best prospects in the draft, but Washington has a solid case to round out that Top 5.

The team definitely has its eye on many of the top prospects in the group. The Bucs had formal interviews with each of the four, as well as South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft, Purdue’s Payne Durham, and Cincinnati’s Josh Whyle.

While he did not have high-end college production due to playing in the same offense as star tight end Brock Bowers, Washington has demonstrated that he has the blocking skills and athleticism to have a solid floor in the NFL.

Georgia TE Darnell Washington “Jumped Out” At NFL Combine

In March, Darnell Washington elevated his draft stock with an impressive showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.64 in the 40-yard dash and his 4.08 time in the shuttle ranked in the 98th percentile among all tight ends that have tested at in the 20-yard shuttle. At just under 6-foot-7, 264 pounds, what he can do from an athletic standpoint is simply unfair for his opponents.

Check out this grab displaying impressive body control for someone of his stature.

More than just athletic traits, Washington combines his speed and size with an advanced blocking technique that has drawn comparisons to Marcedes Lewis, the one-time Pro Bowler and last active player from the 2006 draft class.

As a second tight end in the Bulldogs’ offense, averaging 16.2 yards per catch is quite the feat. Not only can he stretch the field, but Washington can open it up with running lanes. That is his biggest strength, whether in zone schemes or pass protection. Being able to split off breaks and be an option in the flat or up the seam has immense value.

Georgia TE Darnell Washington – Photo by: USA Today

Yes, his stats from his three seasons at Georgia do not stand out, but there is reason to believe he has just scratched the surface. In 2022, he posted 28 catches for 454 yards and two touchdowns playing second fiddle to All-American Brock Bowers.

With a more defined role at the next level, Washington should be able to compete for a starting job. At worst, he is a high-upside second tight end. A lot of his traits could be what the Bucs’ offense was missing last season.

Both Cam Brate and Kyle Rudolph were not the most fleet-footed, and entering 2023 with three tight ends 25 and younger allows them to grow together.

For new offensive coordinator Dave Canales, he could scheme an offense utilizing two-tight end sets to create running lanes and improve a rushing offense that ranked worst in the league last season.

In an offense undergoing a transformation, taking a chance on Washington’s ceiling could prove beneficial for the Bucs. Current projections have him being selected anywhere from late in the first round to early on Day 2. The Bucs are unlikely to draft him at No.19, but general manager Jason Licht loves to trade down. Having Washington in for a Top 30 visit gives the organization another possibility to consider as the build-up to the NFL Draft heightens.

Here is a list of players the Bucs have brought in for Top 30 visits.