The Miami Dolphins injected talent and potential into their roster with their 2024 draft class, snagging high-profile talents such as Chop Robinson, Patrick Paul, Mohamed Kamara, and Jaylen Wright. However, it’s their first sixth-round pick, wide receiver Malik Washington, who is rapidly gaining attention.
Selected 184th overall, Washington was a target for Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who saw in him a potent yards-after-catch threat capable of earning significant playing time in Miami’s star-studded receiver group that includes Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Odell Beckham Jr.
Doug Farrar of USA Today singled out Washington as the Dolphins’ sleeper pick for the draft, praising his 4.47-second 40-yard dash and his ability to accelerate with the ball. Farrar highlighted Washington’s standout stat from the 2024 draft class, leading all receivers with 710 yards after the catch. He noted, “Washington’s pairing with speed demons like Hill and Waddle on deep routes could give opposing defenses nightmares.”
Looking forward to his first NFL season, Washington expressed optimism about his fit within the Dolphins’ dynamic offense, citing its diversity in motions and route trees as particularly beneficial to his style of play.
Eager to learn from his accomplished teammates, Washington plans to absorb as much knowledge as possible from Hill, Waddle, and Beckham Jr. “Just be a sponge,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of adapting quickly to the professional level and incorporating everything he learns into his game.
Washington also stressed the importance of consistency, hard work, and a day-by-day approach to proving himself worthy of a spot on the 53-man roster. He believes his dedication to improvement and his ability to stay true to himself will be key factors in his success with the Dolphins.
As Miami fans and the NFL community keep a close eye on this promising rookie, additional insights and analyses of Washington’s potential impact, along with the Dolphins’ draft strategy and offensive outlook post-draft, continue to generate buzz.