The Miami Dolphins, aiming to bolster their offensive prowess, made a significant addition by picking Malik Washington, an explosive wide receiver, in the 2024 NFL Draft.
This selection stems from a strategic move made the previous summer, trading Dan Feeney to the Chicago Bears to acquire this valuable draft pick.
Washington, a standout performer at Virginia, earned a well-deserved spot as a second-team All-American last season, thanks to his remarkable stats. He caught an impressive 110 passes for 1,426 yards, averaging 13.0 yards per reception, and scored 9 touchdowns, leading all FBS receivers. Before his impactful season at Virginia, he spent four years at Northwestern, where in his last two seasons, he amassed 109 receptions.
Despite his relatively small stature at 5 feet, 8½ inches, and weighing 191 pounds, Washington has proven to be a formidable force on the field. Renowned for his impressive ability to gain yards after the catch (YAC), he brings a combination of toughness and speed (recording a 4.48 at the combine) to the Dolphins. However, his speed might seem modest compared to the Dolphins’ existing offensive lineup that includes speed demons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, as well as Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, and fellow 2024 draft pick, Jaylen Wright.
Lance Zierlein, an NFL.com draft analyst, compares Washington’s playstyle to Raiders wide receiver DeAndre Carter. Zierlein highlights Washington’s tenure at Virginia as a heavily-utilized slot receiver, known for his resilience and ability to accumulate yards with his excellent catch focus and smooth handling.
Although Washington’s performance predominantly featured quick passes and short routes that highlighted his YAC abilities, there’s an acknowledgment of his need to refine his route-running skills and ability to evade press coverage in the NFL. With his skillset, Washington is anticipated to initially contribute as a versatile player with the potential to evolve into a key starter in the receiver position.