Daryl Washington Scouting Report

A three year starter, Washington has been TCU's most consistent defensive player over the last two years. His career began in 2006 with a 16 tackle season that include one blocked punt, the first of many. A solid 2007 (32 tackles, 3 block punts) led to a breakthrough 2008 in which he registered 63 tackles in just nine games -- three as a starter. Washington was penciled in as the team's starting inside linebacker prior to his senior year. He went on to post the school's highest tackle campaign since 2004 (99 tackles); he also grabbed headlines with his three interceptions. Plays bigger than his size. Is compact at the point of attack. Explodes on ballcarriers inside the tackle box. Plays with strong hands and can control blockers. Has great speed (4.6). Is quick to read and react to plays. Plays laterally with a rare burst. Has a good, second gear to close on plays. Is smart enough to slip blocks and has the agility to backdoor blocks. Is a straight-line blitzer. Shows good instincts on pass reads and is a better-than-average pass defender. Turns his hips relative well and has the recovery speed to make up for any mistake. Though, needs to add bulk and lower body strength. Is not a strong, wrap-up tackler. Has few pass rushing moves. Gets too upright in backpedal, takes and extra step out of transition to compensate. Washington is an above average playmaker who consistently is showing improvement. He projects as a solid staring middle linebacker at the next level.