Tag: Tahj Washington

The Dolphins may need Malik Washington to step up early as a rookie

With only four receivers on the roster, there’s a huge opportunity for Malik Washington to step up.

One of the Miami Dolphins’ biggest issues in 2023 was their wide receiver depth. Miami’s initial 53-man roster shows this position group’s depth will be put to the test almost immediately in 2024.

With offseason signee Odell Beckham Jr. starting the season on the PUP list and returning receiver River Cracraft sent to the short-term IR, Miami has only four receivers on their 53-man roster.

That could mean a lot is placed on rookie receiver Malik Washington’s plate.

Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle form debatably the best wide receiver tandem in the NFL, and Braxton Berrios has been a reliable short-yardage target throughout his career. But those are the only three receivers on the current iteration of the roster outside of Washington.

Just like last season, the Dolphins already find themselves depleted at the position.

While the season is yet to start, though, the team has liked what it’s seen from Malik Washington. The Virginia product put together his best preseason performance came in the final game against the Buccaneers. He had two impressive returns, a seven-yard catch and a 40-yard rush. That provide hope for a banged up wide receiving corps.

And according to head coach Mike McDaniel, Washington showed something they saw in his college tape: his aggressiveness.

“We hadn’t gotten the chance to see something we saw in college from him that he put on display tonight, which is his balance and ability to break tackles,” McDaniel said after the game. “It was definitely a big spark for us, and I was happy to see him really own the moment.”

Can Washington show it in the regular season too? It would certainly help the Dolphins if he could.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Dolphins place Tahj Washington on IR, likely ending rookie year

Tahj Washington’s rookie season is over before it ever began.

Miami Dolphins seventh-round pick Tahj Washington may miss his entire rookie season after landing on the team’s injured reserve Tuesday.

The nature of Washington’s injury isn’t yet known. The rookie wide receiver participated in the team’s offseason program earlier in the year, but was placed on the PUP list upon reporting to training camp last week.

In previous seasons, landing on injured reserve prior to the regular season guaranteed a player would miss the remainder of the year. However, a rule change means the Dolphins could pull up to two players off the IR when they set their 53-man roster at the end of August.

The likelihood that they’d do so to ensure a seventh-round rookie is on their 53-man roster without much work in camp and preseason is slim.

While a lost rookie season isn’t ideal, a redshirt year may not be the worst idea for Washington. On a roster loaded at the receiver position with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Odell Beckham Jr. leading the way, a roster spot was far from a guarantee for Washington.

By keeping the seventh-round pick on the injured reserve, the Dolphins won’t have to waive Washington in hopes of retaining him on the practice squad.

In addition to placing Washington on the IR, the Dolphins placed Beckham on the PUP list and signed wide receiver Kyric McGowan.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Tahj Washington starts NFL preseason on the PUP List

The Dolphins might have a receiver room which is too crowded for Tahj.

Miami Dolphins rookies reported for training camp this week. One notable name from USC did not quite make the cut. Former USC receiver and seventh-round pick Tahj Washington was put on the active/physically unable to perform list, otherwise known as the PUP list.

Washington hoped to compete for a 53-man roster spot, but it seems he will most likely be a practice squad candidate. Washington is fighting an uphill battle on the Miami Dolphins’ roster.

The Dolphins return one of the best wide receiver rooms in the NFL with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr., along with returning veterans Braxton Berrios and River Cracraft, 2022 fourth-round pick Erik Ezukanma, and 2024 sixth-round pick Malik Washington plus speedster Anthony Schwartz.

Washington led USC in receptions (59) and receiving yards (1,062) during his senior season in 2023 with eight touchdown receptions.

The Dolphins have a lot of high-end talent at receiver. One has to wonder if Washington could stick on an NFL team which has less talent at the position.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire. Follow our newest sites, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.

Check out more NFL draft coverage with the USA TODAY Sports NFL Draft Hub.

Dolphins place Tahj Washington on PUP list, Mark Perry on NFI list

Neither Tahj Washington nor Mark Perry are ready to participate in training camp practices, the Dolphins announced Tuesday.

Miami Dolphins rookies reported for training camp Tuesday, but the team announced that two players aren’t quite ready to participate.

Wide receiver Tahj Washington, who was a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, was placed on the Dolphins’ physically unable to perform list. Undrafted safety Mark Perry was placed on the non-football injury list.

While different designations, the rules for both lists are essentially the same. The Dolphins may move either player to the active roster at any point during training camp. Until they do, Washington and Perry may participate in meetings and use team facilities, but cannot practice with the team.

If either Washington or Perry are still on the PUP list or NFI list, respectively, after roster cutdown day (Aug. 27), they will be out for at least the first four games of the regular season.

Washington led USC in receptions (59) and receiving yards (1,062) during his senior season in 2023 with eight touchdown receptions.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Dolphins sign Jaylen Wright, 4 other draft picks

The Dolphins got most of their 2024 NFL draft class officially under contract Tuesday.

The Miami Dolphins announced contracts for five of their seven 2024 NFL draft picks Tuesday morning.

Running back Jaylen Wright, pass rusher Mohamed Kamara, wide receiver Malik Washington, safety Patrick McMorris, and wide receiver Tahj Washington are all under contract now. Only first-round pick Chop Robinson and second-rounder Patrick Paul remain unsigned.

The Dolphins’ decision to wait until June to begin signing its 2024 draft class wasn’t surprising as the team had limited salary cap space until Saturday when Xavien Howard officially came off the team’s books. With an additional $18.5 million at its disposal, Miami likely won’t wait long to get Robinson and Paul under contract too.

All five players signed Tuesday were taken on the third day of the 2024 NFL draft. Wright was selected first of the group with a fourth-round pick that was acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Dolphins’ 2024 offseason program will wrap up this week with a three-day mandatory minicamp that runs from Tuesday to Thursday.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

How rookie WR Tahj Washington could fit in the Dolphins offense

Could seventh-round rookie Tahj Washington make an impact in his rookie season?

The Miami Dolphins selected USC wide receiver Tahj Washington in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, who could fit the mold for what the team’s offense needs in a third wide receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

A consistent third receiving target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa eluded the Dolphins all of last season, and it has been a top priority for Chris Grier and the front office this offseason. Miami signed veteran tight end Jonnu Smith from the Atlanta Falcons who will be an upgrade in the starting role. The team also signed three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after weeks of speculation.

While free agency upgraded the Dolphins’ receiving group, there is always a hope that rookies will be able to play starting roles sooner rather than later.

Tahj Washington is a prime example of a rookie who fits the Dolphins’ current roster and scheme,. He put together a spectacular campaign at USC in 2023 as the favorite target of eventual No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Washington caught 59 passes for 1,062 yards (18 yards per reception) with eight touchdown catches.

So how does hit in the Miami offense?

An area of specialty for Washington is yards after catch, which will complement the Miami offense beautifully.

Washington also has elite body control and can make leaping contested catches through contact. He makes the type of plays that were not seen from the Miami receivers outside of Hill and Waddle. While Braxton Berrios and River Cracraft found success in spurts last season, they weren’t consistent enough for the coaching staff to be pleased with either of them lining up as the third wide receiver.

In five seasons with USC and Memphis, Washington’s career offensive snaps were divided 44 percent in the slot and 56 percent out wide, according to Pro Football Focus. That versatility will allow head coach Mike McDaniel to plug him in anywhere he wants.

With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle drawing the attention of opposing defenses, the door will be open for a third target to have success in 2024, especially if they can exploit the middle of the field. Washington’s skillset fits the bill if he can earn snaps.

The glaring knock on Washington going into the draft was his size at just 5’10” and 174 pounds. It is also possible that Washington’s collegiate production was credited to the elite quarterback play of Caleb Williams. Still, the USC offense designed numerous plays where getting Washington the ball with room to run was a focal point.

Beckham is the front runner to open the season in the third spot on the depth chart. But at 31 and an injury history that has kept him out more often than not in the last four years, the Dolphins will need to find consistent contributors and potential future starters in their group of younger wideouts.

One thing that will help Washington earn a spot is his involvement with special teams.

“Special teams has always been a part of my game,” Washington told reporters last month. “A lot of history on special teams I love to compete. Anytime I get the opportunity to be on the field, I want to be out there.”

Entering a room with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle at his position will undoubtedly serve as an enhancement for Washington in his early years as a pro.

“It will be fun to learn from those guys, and take notes from those guys,” Washington said.

With uncertainty at the wide receiver position for the long-term, Washington is certainly someone to keep an eye on as the Dolphins’ offseason continues.

Solomon Byrd, Jarrett Kingston picked before Tahj Washington in NFL draft

This simple fact about USC at the 2024 NFL draft remains a brain-buster days later.

The story of the USC Trojans at the NFL draft was hard to believe on many levels. Caleb Williams being picked first was drama-free, predictable, and long-anticipated. Nearly every other USC story at the 2024 draft was insane. The absurdity and improbability of the draft were captured in this one fact: Solomon Byrd and Jarrett Kingston were both picked before Tahj Washington, even though Washington had by far the best 2023 season of the three and had seemingly positioned himself for a good draft position. Byrd and Kingston had low-impact seasons for USC in 2023, and yet they were taken ahead of Washington. It just doesn’t make sense.

We reminded everyone about the last time a USC receiver was snubbed and not respected in the NFL draft:

“Tahj Washington entered the 2024 NFL draft as a mystery. Would teams dismiss his sterling competitive qualities or show that they knew he is a baller who should produce in the pros? We saw a few years ago that NFL teams discounted Amon-Ra St. Brown and his competitive chops as a receiver. St. Brown fell all the way to Day 3 of the draft, becoming the No. 112 pick in the fourth round. The Detroit Lions got an absolute steal and just rewarded St. Brown with a massive contract extension.”

No one listened. Now Washington has a lot to prove. If he answers the bell the way St. Brown did with the Lions, we hope NFL teams won’t ignore USC receivers ever again at the draft.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire. Follow our newest sites, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.

Check out more NFL draft coverage with the USA TODAY Sports NFL Draft Hub.

WATCH: Highlights of Dolphins 7th-round draft pick Tahj Washington

New Dolphins receiver Tahj Washington put up big numbers as Caleb Williams’ favorite target at USC last year.

The Miami Dolphins finished their 2024 NFL draft by double-dipping at the wide receiver position and taking USC’s Tahj Washington in the seventh round.

Despite taking a receiver named Washington a round prior (Virginia’s Malik Washington), the Dolphins added Tahj Washington in hopes of finally finding a reliable third receiving option for Tua Tagovailoa.

Both Washingtons could provide help on another unit too.

“Special teams has always been a part of my game,” Tahj Washington said Saturday. “Gunner on punt, corner on punt return, kickoff returner, [punt] returner, a lot of history in special teams. I love to compete. Anytime I get the opportunity to be on the field, I want to be out there.”

Those qualities are probably the reason the Dolphins picked him with the No. 241 overall selection. But his receiving skills are nothing to scoff at either. As Caleb Williams’ favorite receiver at USC, he put up big numbers in 2023:

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Dolphins pick USC WR Tahj Washington at No. 241 in 2024 NFL draft

Tahj Washington, who was Caleb Williams’ favorite target at USC, is the Dolphins’ last pick of the 2024 NFL draft.

The Miami Dolphins selected USC wide receiver Tahj Washington with the No. 241 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Washington is the second wide receiver drafted by the Dolphins, along with sixth-round pick Malik Washington.

The names and positions aren’t the only similarities. Like the team’s sixth-round pick, Tahj Washington isn’t a big wide receiver at 5’10, 174 pounds. And like his new teammate, the seventh-rounder was a productive collegiate player anyway.

In his final season with the Trojans, Washington was Caleb Williams’ favorite receiver and led the team with 59 receptions, 1,062 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He also earned experience as a kick returner both at USC and early in his collegiate career when he was at Memphis.

While the lack of measurables explain his availability so close to the Mr. Irrelevant selection, Washington is another player who could compete to be a slot receiver in Miami’s offense.

Tahj Washington is the seventh and (presumably) final member of the team’s 2024 draft class after pass rusher Chop Robinson, offensive tackle Patrick Paul, running back Jaylen Wright, pass rusher Mohamed Kamara, wide receiver Malik Washington, and safety Patrick McMorris were the first six.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

USC WRs Brenden Rice, Tahj Washington snubbed on Day 2 of NFL draft

USC has two receivers who are going to be very motivated once they land on an NFL roster.

The USC Trojans had two players picked on Day 2 of the NFL draft. Calen Bullock went to the Houston Texans, and MarShawn Lloyd went to the Green Bay Packers, both in the third round. They will not have to wait until Day 3 of the draft on Saturday. Brenden Rice and Tahj Washington were not as fortunate. They are still on the board heading into Saturday. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for two receivers who had hoped to be Day 2 selections.

Let’s remember that a few years ago at the NFL draft, Amon-Ra St. Brown was not snapped up in the first 100 picks or the first three rounds. His considerable talent and athleticism were ignored and undervalued by NFL teams. The Detroit Lions finally took him in the fourth round on Saturday — Day 3 — at pick No. 112. St. Brown has become a legitimate star in the NFL, helping the Lions come agonizingly close to making their first Super Bowl.

Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice can look at St. Brown — a very good USC Trojan receiver — as a source of inspiration. When they finally are picked at this year’s NFL draft, they will have a lot of motivation to prove people wrong and punish the many NFL teams which passed on them in the second and third rounds of Day 2.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire. Follow our newest sites, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.

Check out more NFL draft coverage with the USA TODAY Sports NFL Draft Hub.