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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: Dwayne Washington, RB

Hogs Haven takes a look at college prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Gabe Ward
Jennifer Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dwayne Washington, RB
School: Washington | Conference: PAC 12
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21? 22?
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 226 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Late Rounds or UDFA
NFL Comparison: Quincy Enunwa / Latavius Murray

College Statistics

Player Overview

Dwayne Washington is basically a wide receiver playing running back. Nearly everything about his style of play is unorthodox from the way he makes his cuts to the way he holds the ball but that is what makes him so fun to watch. Washington's career with the Huskies has been up and down. After catching on in 2014 and rushing for nearly 700 yards Washington came into his junior year and had his carries drastically cut because the Huskies liked freshman Myles Gaskin more. Washington was somewhat relegated to a specialty role in the offense but played second fiddle to Gaskin all year before his season ended with a knee injury. 

Despite Washington being raw at the position his athletic talent is clear. Washington has great speed he ran a 4.4 40 at his pro day and has a track background. He also is elusive and has a nice lateral step. He is physical and is willing to stiff arm and power through would-be tacklers. Washington also has impressive hands. If a team decided to used him in an H-back role his value could be maximized through mismatched against linebackers.

Strengths

  • Excellent combination of size speed and shiftiness. He is a mismatch coming out of the backfield. And once he past the 1st level he's up to top speed.
  • Decisive though not particularly pretty with his cuts and decision making. Doesn't dance around.
  • A threat in zone / stretch plays run out of the gun and when running routes on the outside or in the seam.
  • Plays physical pushing players down with stiff arms and has the ability to get his legs churning and to maintain balance to gain extra yards.
  • Big play ability

Weaknesses

  • Has a history with not major but nagging knee issues.
  • Carries the ball loose and away from his body (like a WR) – 10 career fumbles.
  • Vision goes in and out. On one play he'll find the hole and take it to the house on another he'll run into a wall of blockers.


Let's see his work: 



Pro Day Results

40-yard dash: 4.44 seconds
Vertical: 37 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet, 7 inches
Short shuttle: 4.24 seconds
3-cone: 6.9 seconds
Bench: 21 reps of 225 pounds

How He Would Fit on the Redskins

Because of Washington's production and knee injuries he is likely to be taken very late on day 3 or go undrafted. Teams who may be looking for a player of his athletic profile and talent will be interested in him for his big play ability and value. I this Washington isn't a pure WR or RB rather a hybrid that may have to fit somewhere in a specialty / H-back role. Washington has big play ability and can take it all the way if given the space. His receiving ability, speed, and shiftiness will be an asset for a team looking for that kind of dynamic in their offense (GB, LA, DET, CIN )? Washington potentially will be one of the more intriguing late round prospects / UDFA to watch because of his athletic ability. 

They physically compare differently but I see Washington as a bigger version of Tavon Austin at a fraction of the price. I don't think Washington fits much of what the Redskins are looking for in a RB or a WR. Ultimately Washington will have to prove his worth on special teams as a tackler on even a returner to catch on and earn a roster spot on an NFL team.

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