The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the most prolific passing games in the NFL led by quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow has a chance to shatter contract numbers as extension talks could begin this offseason for the perennial MVP candidate.
The No. 1 pick of the 2020 NFL Draft has experienced some adversity during his time in Cincinnati, such as suffering an ACL tear and playing behind a shaky offensive line. Despite that, he has produced some eye-popping numbers when on the field.
With two straight trips to the AFC Championship game under his belt, with one Super Bowl appearance, Burrow has cemented himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He is surrounded by elite weapons in the passing game with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd making up arguably the best wide receiver trio in the NFL.
Getting a more explosive running back to pair with Joe Mixon in the backfield would help take this offense to another level. But, another hole that exists is at the tight end position. Hayden Hurst departed in free agency, signing with the Carolina Panthers.
The Bengals could look to fill that void in the 2023 NFL Draft. If that is the direction they go in, Cincinnati has been named the best fit for Georgia’s Darnell Washington.
Washington has truly imposing size, standing 6’7” and weighing 264 pounds. He would likely have a future as a tackle in the NFL should playing tight end not work out for him as he is a true difference-maker in the running game as an extra blocker. His dominant size and power combination will make him a useful player in the NFL right off the bat and for years to come.
There is also untapped receiving potential. Washington played a limited role behind all-world tight end Brock Bowers, which is why his statistics are limited. He caught only 28 passes for 454 yards and two touchdowns, but the impact he can have is evident.
16.2 yards per reception is almost unheard of for a tight end as Washington possesses elite athleticism for someone his size. He is a mismatch nightmare in the red zone and with so much attention being given to Chase and Higgins, Washington could find advantageous situations working the middle of the field.
Honing his technique would make him a truly dominant player at the next level as opponents will have no answer combating his size advantage. The Bengals would be an excellent landing spot for him and the No. 28 overall pick could be used on the Georgia product.
