Slot Receivers Need Love Too! Malik Washington For Instance

WR MALIK WASHINGTON – UVA
5-FOOT-8 | 194LBS
Career Stats: 230REC 2,774YDS 12TDS

Pros

Malik Washington decided for a change of scenery in his final year of eligibility, transferring from Northwestern to UVA. This resulted in the breaking of a number of receiving records in 2023, with Washington finishing first in receptions (110) and fourth in receiving yards (1,426) in all of college football. For reference, Washington had 109 receptions, 1,272 receiving yards and three TD’s across 24 games (two seasons) as a started at Northwestern. While not record-breaking, Washington had a career high nine TD’s in 2023.

Washington’s sole year of dominance highlighted his ability to produce almost exclusively out of the slot (nearly 90%) with UVA getting the ball in his hands at or around the line of scrimmage. A trait that helps Washington thrive out of the slot is his short area quickness when getting in and out of routes to create separation. The quickness paired with his compact frame helps keep him upright and constantly churning out more yards.

Out of the slot Washington is able to use strong hands to win contested situations more often than not, which is a huge boon for a player his size. Further, Washington navigates zone coverage well to provide his QB with a short-intermediate target that can make the catch and get upfield in a hurry.

Cons

Unfortunately, Washington’s size has limited his role to the slot and schemed touches out of motion or the backfield. It is Washington’s size coupled with his average long-speed that hinders his ability to be more regularly lined up outside. The 2024 NFL rookie class is littered with prototypical X-receivers and Washington simply is not that. This will likely push his NFL draft stock down and, in turn, affect how dynasty managers value him in rookie drafts.

In the same vein, Washington is also limited by a smaller catch radius than most other receivers. If he is working out of the slot or around the line of scrimmage then this limitation can be effectively mitigated. Lastly, as a smaller slot receiver Washington will struggle to run block effectively. The toughness that Washington plays with will help his blocking some but his size ultimately caps that ability.

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Summary

Malik Washington made the most of his fifth collegiate season by breaking receiving records in a new uniform and has followed that up with a promising showing at the 2024 Shrine Bowl; as well as, an invite to the NFL Combine. While he may be limited to a slot role in the NFL, there are a number of teams that would greatly benefit from putting the ball in the hands of a playmaker like Washington in whatever way possible.

I envision Washington being utilized much like Wan’Dale Robinson or Zay Flowers, as the duo has the short area quickness to create space and get upfield. However, Washington does lack the requisite size and length to consistently win on the outside. In his toughness I see former Carolina Panther great Steve Smith. There was a DAWG mentality that helped Smith to play well above his size and I see that in how Washington makes contested catches over the middle and does not shy away from contact.

As far as rookie rankings Washington is my WR-15 with room to move up depending on the remainder of the offseason process progresses (combine, draft, etc.). A few landing spots include the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers. These teams may be set at the outside receiver positions (not necessarily) but having a weapon like Washington out of the slot would provide an explosive element underneath.

Strengths

• Separation / Short Area Quickness
• Strong Hands
• Plays BIG (Steve Smith DAWG mentality)

Concerns

• Length / Catch Radius
• Top-End Speed
• Size Limits Blocking Effectiveness

2024 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round Pick

Ideal Role: Slot Receiver with schemed touches around line of scrimmage

Player Comp: Wan’Dale Robinson (quickness out of slot) & Steve Smith (toughness & strong hands)

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