Malik Washington 2024 NFL Draft Overview
Height: Five-foot-eight
Weight: 191 pounds
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Virginia
2024 NFL Draft: Malik Washington Scouting Report
From being a three-star recruit to transferring schools and being flooded with honors, Malik Washington had himself a solid career. Initially, Washington attended Northwestern and appeared in 11 games while hauling in just six passes for 25 yards. Then, as a sophomore in 2020, Washington participated in all five games, recording five catches for 51 yards.
He broke out for the Wildcats in 2021. With 578 yards off of 44 catches, Washington was the second-leading receiver. He also added a pair of touchdowns for his squad. It was more of the same in 2022 as Washington set new career highs in receptions (65) and yards (694) while scoring once. After the season, he jumped into the Transfer Portal and landed at Virginia.
In a brand-new offense, Washington had an incredible season. In 12 games, he amassed 1,426 yards and 110 receptions with nine touchdowns. He easily led the team in receiving and ended up with the most yards in the ACC and fourth-most in the country. His 110 receptions were the most in the country as well.
He earned First-Team All-ACC honors and a smattering of All-American honors from the various publications. At Virginia, Washington was held under 100 yards just twice (he was held under 97 yards just once!).
Strengths
- Elite production
- Incredible ball skills, can catch with soft hands and go up and get the ball
- Runs and plays like a running back
- Adept at creating separation
- 710 yards after the catch in 2023
- High football IQ and precise route runner
Malik Washington is Zay Flowers without the hype.
He'll be my most rostered receiver from the 2024 class. pic.twitter.com/DAOkFzUm1x
— Addison Hayes (@amazehayes_) April 12, 2024
Weaknesses
- Very undersized at five-foot-eight
- Getting pressed at the line will be a challenge at the next level
- Not a blocker
- Doesn’t have that getaway speed
Player Comparison: slower Mecole Hardman
Projection: Third Round
Best Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Chicago Bears
Bottom Line on Malik Washington
Plenty of NFL Draftees have made themselves a lot of money by being a slot-only player and Malik Washington will be the next. He is a small, small receiver but he plays a lot bigger than his stature would have you assume. As a receiver, he has great hands and is electric after the catch. Remember that 72-yard touchdown Ja’Marr Chase inexplicably scored against the Chiefs back in 2021? That’s Washington (but a tad slower).
Due to his size, generating separation is paramount. He will get jammed at the line and will likely lose physicality battles, so he uses his footwork and explosivity to get open and make things happen.
Washington is built like a running back, so when he does get the ball in the open field, he’s tough to bring down. He is not an outside receiver, so he will need to go to a team with an obvious need at slot receiver. Unfortunately for him, there are plenty of slot-only receivers in this class. However, he is dynamic enough to warrant the pick.
Fantasy football players are going to like Washington. He projects to be a high-volume player and his YAC ability will get whatever team drafts him plenty of free yards.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
