Exploring the Prospects of Miami Dolphins’ Seventh-Round Draft Pick Tahj Washington
With the 2024 NFL Draft concluded, the Miami Dolphins are eager to see their seven new recruits help propel the team past their playoff hurdles. This year marked the Dolphins’ first usage of a first-round draft pick since 2021, alongside a second-round pick and a strategic move that scored them five additional selections on the third day, included in which was a fourth-round pick.
Our deep dive into the Dolphins’ draft picks winds down with a focus on their seventh-round selection, Tahj Washington, chosen 241st overall from USC. Washington, a talent who initially played at Memphis, transferred to USC to round out his collegiate career over three seasons.
In 2023, Washington peaked, teaming up with Caleb Williams to produce a standout season. The receiver chalked up 59 receptions for 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns.
Now, the question lingers: Is Washington equipped with the necessary skills to secure a spot on the Dolphins’ roster in 2024? A closer examination of the film sheds light on this inquiry.
Tahj Washington’s ball-handling prowess parallels that of Malik Washington, another promising talent picked by the Dolphins in the sixth round. Despite a relatively smaller frame at 5-9, 174 pounds, Tahj exhibits remarkable ability in securing contested catches and has demonstrated strong hands — essential for outleaping and outmuscling defenders.
This skill set is especially beneficial in mid-field plays, an area where Washington showed noteworthy competence playing with Caleb Williams. Given Tua Tagovailoa’s preference for mid-field throws, Washington’s inclusion in the Dolphins’ offensive scheme seems like a seamless fit.
However, Washington’s shorter reach, a sizable limitation, could challenge his ball-catching capabilities, especially when coupled with his limited quickness off the mark.
**Refinement Needed in Route Running and Separation**
Washington’s route-running skills, though sophisticated, have revealed a deficiency in creating ample separation from defenders. Despite employing a blend of speed alteration and strategic positioning, his average quickness and subpar break-out speed from routes are glaring weaknesses.
In an NFL setting, Washington’s adaptability to the rigorous man coverage and limited experience against press defenses could further exacerbate these challenges.
**Yards After Catch (YAC) Potential**
Washington’s capabilities to gain yards post-catch, although not marked by blistering speed or athleticism, display his adeptness at navigating tacklers and maintaining balance upon contact. His keen vision and decision-making in open play underscore his potential to contribute significantly in this area.
**The Verdict on Tahj Washington**
Washington’s projection as a seventh-round selection predominantly places him within special teams territory, factoring in Miami’s existing receiver depth. His collegiate kick return statistics provide a glimmer of his utility in special teams, an area where the Dolphins might leverage his skills to the fullest.
In summary, Tahj Washington’s draft selection by the Miami Dolphins in the last round accents a strategic move. With his fitting into the team’s offensive strategy and potential special teams’ contributions, Washington embodies a high-value pick in the draft’s concluding stages.
— First-round selection Chop Robinson
— Second-round choice Patrick Paul
— Fourth-round draft Jaylen Wright
— Fifth-round pick Mohamed Kamara
— Sixth-round selections Malik Washington and Patrick McMorris
