5 TE prospects the Panthers must monitor ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers should monitor Darnell Washington
You won’t find a more complex prospect in the upcoming draft than Darnell Washington. The former five-star recruit out of Desert Pines High School in Las Vegas was viewed as one the nation’s best prospects, but he didn’t quite have the desired impact with the Georgia Bulldogs.
What jumps off the page with Washington is obviously his size. At 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds, he is a truly imposing figure and it’s no surprise that the prospect excels in all blocking areas.
Examining Washington’s pass-catching production in Athens doesn’t do much to excite. During his three years as a Bulldog, he amassed just 45 receptions for 774 receiving and three touchdowns.
Washington was mainly a rotational piece on offense, serving as a backup to Brock Bowers – one of the top tight ends in college football and could even become the No. 1 overall selection if he declares for the 2024 draft. Despite this, some highlight plays have still come the 2023 hopeful’s way.
His size and athleticism mean Washington is an enticing prospect. Some analysts are even projecting the prospect to enter first-round consideration.
For the Carolina Panthers, they need immediate production at the position – something Washington might not be able to provide unless some drastic improvements occur. But if he’s still available at No. 39 overall, they may take a shot considering for his potential upside.