A’Mauri Washington (defensive tackle, Oregon) generated buzz last year. He ultimately elected to return to Oregon in 2026. How does he project for the 2027 NFL Draft?
A’Mauri Washington Early Scouting Report
Measureables
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 338 lbs
Statistics
2025: 33 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
2024: 10 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss.
2023: two tackles.
The Tape
Games Watched: at Penn State, at Iowa, and Indiana (playoffs).
Strengths
The planet theory applies to Washington. At 6’3” 338 lbs, he has been recorded as running at 20.89 mph in GPS tracking. He also has a 36” vertical leap on record. Gracen Halton had the highest vertical leap at the position at the 2026 NFL Combine, but he was only 293 lbs. There are only so many people on the planet who are big and athletic. Washington is one such person.
Washington’s athletic ability shows up on his tape. He’s explosive out of his stance and can get penetration as a result. His ability to get across a blocker’s face demands a double team.
His raw strength is also on show as he can shed blockers as if he’s swatting a fly. As his initial get-off is so explosive, that first contact with blockers can knock them off balance.
A'Mauri Washington (DT, Oregon) is able to win with raw power. Here he sheds the right guard and blows up this wildcat play. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/UuFp85CcJQ
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) June 5, 2026
Washington can also move laterally quickly. It allows Oregon to disguise which gap it’s attacking. He can line up shading the center, making it look like he’ll be attacking the “A” gap. Washington will then move laterally, and he’s suddenly attacking the “B” gap. This is a rare ability.
The outstanding athletic ability allows Oregon to use him in a variety of roles. He’ll line up anywhere from zero to seven techniques and everywhere in between. That versatility is a major plus for creative NFL Defensive Coordinators. He will particularly appeal to teams that like to use multiple alignments alongside twists and stunts.
Washington shows a good feel for the game on screens and misdirection plays. His eyes are beyond his blocker into the backfield, which helps him diagnose effectively.
While he does rotate out of the game, Washington plays a high number of snaps. His motor is permanently set to high, and he does make plays because of this.
Areas to Improve
Washington’s lack of sack production is of concern. The tape shows a player who is still developing this area of his game. He has a limited arsenal of pass rush moves and struggles to counter when his initial move doesn’t work.
Washington can also play too high against both run and pass, and he gives up his chest too often. When offensive lineman get into his chest, he struggles to get their hands off him, and he is then neutralized.
Right now, Washington wins with raw speed and power. He needs to become more nuanced with his hand use. While his athletic profile would have seen him taken in the first round in the 2026 NFL Draft, returning to Oregon in 2026 is the correct football decision.
While Washington feels screens and misdirection well, he needs to feel double teams much better. Once engaged with one man, if a down blocker also engages him, he’s routinely moved off the ball. Against zone schemes, he flows with the blocks and must learn when to drop his anchor.
A'Mauri Washington here over RT Gennings Dunker. He doesn't feel the RG and gets moved, leaving a big hole.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/7i2Q6kSVQh
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) June 4, 2026
A’Mauri Washington’s Key Tests in 2026
The schedule looks manageable for Washington and the Ducks, with the standout test early in the season coming in week four at Southern California.
Later in the season, they have interesting back-to-back tests with a road game at Ohio State in week 10, before hosting Michigan.
NFL talent evaluators will hope for a playoff qualification to give Washington and the Ducks further tests.
The full schedule can be found here.
A’Mauri Washington Summary
Washington profiles as a high first-round pick simply because he’s a rare athlete. Right now, that allows him to make flash plays against the run. However, he’s still putting the pieces together as a pass rusher.
No question returning to Oregon in 2026 will help Washington become more nuanced with his hand use and feel for double teams.
He clearly has the potential to have a monster year and become an elite prospect. Right now, he’s an elite athlete who is still developing as a defensive tackle.
