On Friday it was the wide receivers and tight ends’ turn to speak with the media at the NFL Combine and these are two positions the Buffalo Bills are likely to pay close attention to ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Michael Mayer, former Notre Dame tight end, said his meeting went very well with the Buffalo Bills but he wasn’t the only tight end the Bills met with.
According to Andy Young, Darnell Washington also said he met with the Buffalo Bills this week in Indianapolis. In three seasons at Georgia, Washington had 45 receptions, 774 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
While Washington may not have had the same production as Mayer, he is certainly an interesting prospect. Matt Parrino tweeted that Washington said he feels he is the “most unique tight end in this draft.”
It is hard to argue with that assessment as there is not another tight end like Darnell Washington with his physical attributes at 6’7″ and 280 pounds.
Darnell Washington could be exactly the tight end the Buffalo Bills are looking for in NFL Draft
During Brandon Beane’s time as general manager, the Buffalo Bills have typically leaned towards players with great measurables and high ceilings. A perfect example would be Greg Rousseau, who was the first round pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2021 NFL Draft.
He didn’t necessarily have impressive production at the University of Miami but he was a unique defensive end that was like any other player at his position in that year’s class.
Darnell Washington is similar in that he has great measurables that can’t be taught but didn’t produce at a high level. However, that could have been due to the offense he was in at Georgia as they tend to lean on the run game.
Washington would be a great tight end to pair with Dawson Knox and both players could complement each other. He wouldn’t have to step in as a starter right away but could contribute as a rookie, both as a run blocker but also in two-tight end sets.