15. Daryl Washington, Arizona Cardinals
Run Defense
18/30
After coming in as our No. 3 inside linebacker two seasons ago, Daryl Washington (6’2”, 238 pounds, four seasons) drops all the way to No. 15 this time around. Washington’s down year had much to do with his struggles against the run. Struggling with angles and pursuit, Washington didn’t display the same ability to maneuver through traffic to make plays against the run.
Pass Rush
4/10
Washington also didn’t make the same impact in rushing the passer as he had in the past. He struggled to disengage blockers and still doesn’t possess the skill set to beat them once engaged—either against the run or when rushing the passer.
Coverage
18/20
One thing Washington didn’t lose this past season was his ability make plays in space while in coverage. He reads passes in front of him extremely well and is reliable when put in space against an offensive player with the ball in his hands. He breaks well on the ball and recognizes routes coming across the middle.
Tackle
33/40
While he has the speed and athleticism to be near the ball on every play, Washington can put himself in bad positions to make tackles by overpursuing the play and not playing inside-out when attacking a running back to the outside.
Overall
73/100
Washington will need a bounce-back year in 2014, especially after the Cardinals just gave him a $10 million option bonus as part of the deal he signed in 2012. The Cardinals obviously believe in him, and it’ll be up to him to prove them right.
