This James Washington preview is part of a series of previews of the 2017 college football season. These previews aim to provide for scouting prospects in the 2018 rookie draft.
2016 Tape Review
Washington is a thick and productive player through his three years at Oklahoma State. James Washington is listed at 6’0″ and 205 pounds and with the number 28 and a BMI of 27.8 he could be confused with a running back. He is a strong player with good
He is a strong player with strong hands and excels down the field. His strength down the field is his ability to win at the catch point. Washington is solidly built and thick, which allows him to win positioning battles and fight through contact at the catch point. He is strong with his hands, and excels at high pointing the ball,
Washington is also very good after the catch. His build allows him to run through arm tackles by defensive backs. He was used often in the screen game where he frequently forced at least one missed tackle.
Washington shows good agility and acceleration. His footwork also improved in 2016 with better execution on outbreaking routes.
Washington is different than deep threats like Phillip Dorsett and Will Fuller who have been first round NFL draft picks in recent seasons. Both possessed sub 4.4 speed and were “take the top off the defense” type players. With speed in the mid 4.4s, Washington succeeds down the field without blazing speed and instead excels at the catch point.
Wide Receiver Matrix Grade: 8 (Multi-Year Lead Receiver)
Washington is a good example of that wide receivers can come in a variety of forms. Not necessarily prototypical in size, Washington could nonetheless become a WR1 in an offense. Fit with a quarterback willing to throw into contested situations, Washington would excel.
Ultimately, Washington’s athleticism may cap his WR1 likelihood. Running in the 4.4s, and without great burst or leaping ability, Washington projects as an average athlete. If Washington settles into an offense as a WR2, he could excel, particularly if he can see single coverage down the field.
2017 Film Review
Washington enters his Senior season at Oklahoma State as a leading receiver with his quarterback, Mason Rudolph, also returning for his Senior season. With a good framework in place, he projects to cap off a strong resume in 2017.
Washington will post his stock if he can develop more routes, particularly in the inside of the field.
Bottom Line
Washington is a thick receiver who has been productive since his 18-year-old season. His trump card, winning down the field, is done without top end speed. In recent drafts, teams have shown the willingness to spend first round picks on field stretchers. However, these receivers have been speed merchants like Breshad Perriman, Phillip Dorsett, Will Fuller and John Ross.
Washington may be as good down the field as any of those first round picks, but it is unlikely he fits the same draft class because of his lack of top end speed. However, he fits into a Davante Adams-type role of a productive and thick day 2 wide receiver. While you should be generally skeptical of day 2 wide receivers, James Washington profiles as one of the exceptions to the rule. He is likely to be in the conversation around the 1st-2nd round turn around spring rookie drafts.
