As we continue our series of NFL Draft prospect profiles let's look at an under-publicized linebacker who might fill a need for our New York Giants.
Daryl Washington of TCU. Washington is a somewhat under-sized middle linebacker at 6-foot-3, 225-230 pounds. But, the reports are that he has speed, athleticism and coverage ability. All of those things would be appealing to the Giants, I would think.
Is Washington the right fit to help the Giants try and upgrade their linebacking corps? Let's take a closer look.
Daryl Washington Scouting Reports
From Draft Countdown.
Very athletic --- Excellent speed --- Quick and agile --- Explosive with a burst --- Outstanding sideline-to-sideline range --- Does a fantastic job in pursuit --- Fluid hips and excels in coverage --- Active and extremely aggressive --- Powerful hitter --- Can work through traffic and avoid blocks --- Offers some versatility --- Has a lot of special teams potential. ...
Under-sized and lacks the ideal bulk that you look for --- Needs to get stronger. Under-publicized but super talented with a terrific blend of production and physical tools.
From NEPatriotsDraft.com.
Washington is a dynamic play-maker that is a bit under-sized. He could possibly make the transition to safety in the NFL if a team has the patience to let him develop. Sure tackler with sideline-to-sideline speed.
Pros: Speed, Tackling
Cons: Size
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round
Why Washington fits with the Giants
He profiles as an athletic, play-making linebacker. That is something the Giants do not have enough of. And, of course, now with Antonio Pierce gone they have a hole in the middle. Washington is also reportedly an excellent special-teams player, and we know kick coverage has not exactly been a strength in recent years
Why the Giants should pass
They need defensive players who can step in an help them in 2010. I'm not sure Washington projects as that kind of player, particularly in the middle. I might be wrong because I am just going based on what I read, but he might be a guy who isn't ready to play right away. Unless the Giants believe he can step in at middle linebacker immediately they have too many needs to be be taking on a guy who might only contribute on special teams.
(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com. Follow Big Blue View on 'Twitter.")