Franchises won’t just come across intriguing wide receiver prospects with stellar physical traits ahead of the NFL Draft. Some teams will be adding players who’ve reached notable milestones at the college level.
In the case of Malik Washington, he enters the NFL having put together a decorated collegiate career during which he set several records.
Here’s a closer look at the WR prospect, including his height, weight, past accolades, and lastly, potential in the pros.
How Tall Is Malik Washington?
Washington doesn’t come with a “unicorn” frame that places him above 6’5″. He isn’t even 6’0″. Instead, he comes in as the shortest wide receiver prospect — standing at only 5’8″.
But that doesn’t mean Washington’s height serves as a major limitation. Even with his stature, he recorded an astonishing 42.5″ in the vertical jump while in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine.
How Much Does Washington Weigh?
With his diminutive frame, it’s obvious that Washington isn’t on the heavy-set side as a WR.
He moves with a 192-pound frame, which still puts him on the “thin” side. But even that mark matches the weight of other heralded prospects like the Huskies’ Jalen McMillan. Washington’s also 20 pounds heavier than the fastest man in NFL Combine history, Xavier Worthy.
Yet, even at his weight, Washington runs a respectable 4.47 time in the 40-yard dash.
How Old Is Washington?
Washington’s age doesn’t present any concerns for teams desiring an experienced wideout in this rookie class.
Washington will enter the NFL at 23 years old, the average age of the 2024 draft prospects. At that age, Washington hasn’t only been through the rigors of playing more than three collegiate seasons, but suiting up for more than one university as well.
What School Did Washington Go To?
Washington is heading to the draft after finishing his college career at the University of Virginia. Yet, he played the bulk of his college ball elsewhere.
Washington first committed to Northwestern to play in the Big Ten as part of the 2019 class. He chose the Wildcats over Auburn, Kentucky, Duke, and, ironically, Virginia, according to 247Sports.
The Lilburn, Ga., native wound up playing four seasons of Big Ten football before trekking to the Cavaliers — where his game ascended.
Revisiting Washington’s College Career
At Northwestern, Washington only snatched a combined 11 receptions in his first two college seasons. He then combined to record 109 catches in his last two campaigns for the Wildcats, including 65 in 2022.
At Virginia, though, Washington entered his name in the record books. He broke the single-season receiving yardage mark previously held by one-time NFL All-Pro wideout and Cavs great Herman Moore.
MORE: Top WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Washington went on to deliver an astonishing 110 catches, 1,426 yards, and nine touchdowns in his only campaign with UVA. He even recorded all 10 100-yard efforts of his college tenure with the Cavs, including seven straight to close out the 2023 season.
Furthermore, Washington posted consecutive 12-catch efforts, those coming against North Carolina and Miami during ACC action.
Washington managed to earn one fan in Steve Smith Sr., a perennial Pro Bowler for the Carolina Panthers despite having a similar frame. Washington professed to idolize the Panthers legend.
Washington’s Potential in the NFL
So Washington doesn’t pass the eyeball test as a towering option, but that doesn’t diminish his value.
Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings used “ultra-explosive” and “reliable” as two of the strongest descriptions in Washington’s evaluation. But those aren’t the only encouraging words Cummings heaped on the wideout.
“Malik Washington grades out as a top-75 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, who could field interest anywhere from mid-to-late Day 2. He’d be a steal if he were to sneak into the Day 3 range. He profiles as a starting slot receiver very early in his NFL career,” Cummings said.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Malik Washington
Cummings describes Washington as a three-level WR threat. He immediately stresses out coverage defenders with his explosive, fluid route running. Then, he comes equipped with a strong route tree and frustrates defenses after the catch.
The knock on Washington is that his size won’t ever give him an advantage in red-zone lobs or in contested-catch situations. But teams that love motioning out wide receivers and are seeking options that can blow the top off defenses will likely love Washington.
