Darnell Washington Has An Impressive Sledge Drive At The NFL Combine

Day 3 of 2023 nfl Mix typically solely quarterbacks are talked about. With so many massive names within the decide within the upcoming draft, it is simple to see why. There are 4 quarterbacks who could possibly be within the prime 10, so it stands to motive that every one eyes are on gamers like C.J. Stroud, younger Bryce, will levisand anthony richardson. With that being stated, one other participant stole the highlight for a second when the sled was introduced out.

That is Georgia tight finish Darnell Washington. Some folks challenge him as a first-round decide. It is easy to see why, proper? Take a look at that monster of a person pushing that sled prefer it’s a rock on a sheet of ice, no drawback in any respect. Then whenever you evaluate it to the opposite tight ends, it solely will get extra spectacular. These different guys struggle to push him three or extra yards. Washington pushes him again 5 with ease.

I’ve seen this video all over the place recently. I can not open Instagram or Twitter or TikTok with out seeing folks obsessing over it and calling this present of power thoughts blowing. Though it’s not. What is going on right here could be very clear.

His best energy is his means to run blocks.

Washington already tasks as among the finest tight ends within the upcoming draft. Arguably his best energy is his means to execute blocks. He is additionally no slouch as a cross protector. He would not have to show something to the scouts. It would not matter what he did on this sledding train. Everybody is aware of what he’s able to. As he approaches the sled, he locations his fingers a lot decrease than the realm of ​​the makeshift shoulder pad the place the gamers’ fingers are alleged to go. You possibly can see, the place Washington’s fingers by no means contact the black foam in direction of the again of the dummy, the fingers of the others are gripping increased, across the blue foam with their fingers touching the black. That is a textbook locking approach. That is the place you need your fingers to be.

Here’s a Youtube video starring Corridor of Fame sort out Orlando Tempo as he discusses correct blocking approach. In simply the primary few seconds of the video, you’ll be able to see Tempo imitate the place he would love his fingers to be in opposition to a defender. Lo and behold, it is round the place the chest meets the shoulders. That is not the place Washington had his fingers on it. If the blocker’s fingers are too low, the defender’s fingers might be free. As a blocker, you by no means need to give the defender free vary of movement to maneuver your fingers away or throw.

Greatest strategy of one other TE

Sarcastically, the very best approach got here from the second man within the video who begins low and heads in direction of the “defender” even when he did not push the sled again so far as the others. He used methods that will work higher on the subsequent degree. Washington, then again, was putting his fingers the place it could be simpler to push the sled again. It labored within the train, however it will not work in opposition to the actual competitors.

Nevertheless, Washington displayed nice energy and steadiness. She retains her hips low on him and behind him always, however she would not block like that in video games. Come again and see a few of his greatest blocking moments. In opposition to actual competitors, he retains his fingers up, round his chest and slightly below his shoulders, the place they’re alleged to be. For instance, in opposition to Auburn this 12 months, Washington completely managed the Tigers’ Derick Corridor, who’s projected by some as a first-round pick this 12 months, at any time when he was put to activity. In practically each occasion that he can see, Washington retains his fingers round his chest plate, not round his waist, and he typically beats Corridor due to that hand placement.

Washington is undoubtedly a fantastic blocker. That is simply his best energy as a soccer participant, however the drill we noticed on the mix is not indicative of what Washington brings to the desk. It is truly significantly better than the train exhibits, and it is scary to consider.