With the 47th pick... The Arizona Cardinals select LB Daryl Washington, TCU

[Shogun]

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Read & React: Relies on quick reactions rather than great instincts. Explodes into running lane and can smother underneath throws in zone coverage. Will get sucked in by play-action, but is fast enough to recover from a false step.

Run defense: Runs like a safety; has the straight-line speed to hustle downfield and chase to the sideline. Attacks and slides by fullbacks coming out of the hole, but will also lose the ball or overpursue the play. Knifes through holes when attacking stretch plays. Long arms help him bring down backs when he doesn't break down but lacks the strength to do the same at the next level. Runs around blocks inside and is inconsistent taking on blocks and using his length to get free.

Pass defense: Fluid in space. Can be too upright when dropping into zone coverage. Nice sideline-to-sideline range. Able to identify and stay with receivers in his zone and run with any tight end down the seam. Closes on the ball in the air. Keeps an eye on the receiver and one on the quarterback; will come off his guy to make a play. Tough for quarterbacks to throw over and Washington -- and in front of safeties. Struggles to intercept passes, even when he jumps the pattern and the ball is thrown into his hands.

Tackling: Not an explosive tackler. Drags ballcarriers to the ground using his length. Needs to sink his hips instead of tackling shoulder pads. Must improve his angles to the ball against quicker NFL ballcarriers. Tries to cut ballcarriers instead of bringing his hips. Could be a special teams coverage contributor with his speed and aggressive mentality.

Pass Rush/Blitz: Explosive as an inside blitzer, and will reach the quarterback from a stack formation. Uses his speed and/or hands to get past running backs, guard cut blocks and through traffic inside. Has the change-of-direction ability to corral quarterbacks coming off the edge.

Intangibles: His growth as a player throughout out his career in Fort Worth speaks to his upside as a linebacker. Willing and capable special teams force. Solid character and work ethic.

NFL Comparison: D'Qwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1125985?tag=pageRow;pageContainer

 

[Shogun]

Daryl Washington
6'1 3/4, 230 pounds | Outside linebacker | TCU

Coverage: Showed he’s solid dropping back into zone and covering an area. Possesses the hip flexibility and speed to man cover on running backs and tight ends.

Instincts: Although Washington only started one season for TCU, he displays very good football intelligence. He can quickly diagnose a play and figure out where it’s going. Rarely got fooled by play action plays. Very good pre-snap awareness. Blocked four punts in his career.

Pass rush: When Washington gets a gap, he’s a very good pass rusher. Works well to the inside despite his lack of strength. Can out-quick running backs to close on the quarterback. Finished his career with five and a half sacks.

Pursuit: Very smooth in his pursuit and fluid moving in space. Has the speed to track down ball carriers. But where Washington needs to improve here is in the angles he takes. Would make more plays if he was more disciplined in his pursuit.

Quickness: Washingotn might be the quickest linebacker prospect in this year’s draft. He’s always playing on his toes and can cut on a dime. Changes direction with ease and doesn’t lose speed or quickness when doing so.
Run defense: Moves around with ease thanks to his speed and agility. A true sideline-to-sideline player. Has the range to stop the run from all sides of the field. Uses his speed to recover when he takes poor angles.

Size: Washington has good height and length, but he doesn’t have a lot of bulk. Undersized build for an NFL linebacker. While he has the frame to get bigger, it may affect his agility – which is his best asset.

Strength: Not the best strength. Doesn’t have the functional take-on strength to be a force in the running game. Has the speed and instincts to overcome his strength limitations.

Tackling: Not much of a power tackler. Typically has to drag down stronger running backs and tight ends. Needs to increase his take-on strength. Can be shrugged off when he doesn’t use proper tackling fundamentals.


Versatility: Played inside in TCU’s 4-2-5 scheme. Has the instincts to hold the middle, just not the size. Because of that, he should only be considered an outside linebacker. Played a lot on special teams, which is an added bonus.

Final word: Although Washington played in 51 games, he only started one season for the Horned Frogs. He is incredibly athletic and fast, which makes him a real talent on special teams.
Washington may have to start there in the pros while he bulks up and learns a more standard NFL defensive scheme.

http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2010/3/7/1361173/daryl-washington-nfl-draft

 

[Shogun]

Strengths:
Very athletic --- Excellent speed --- Quick and agile --- Explosive with a burst --- Outstanding sideline-to-sideline range --- Does a fantastic job in pursuit --- Fluid hips and excels in coverage --- Active and extremely aggressive --- Powerful hitter --- Can work through traffic and avoid blocks --- Offers some versatility --- Has a lot of special teams potential.

Weaknesses:
Undersized and lacks the ideal bulk that you look for --- Needs to get stronger --- Struggles to shed blockers --- Average instincts --- Misses the occasional tackle --- Does not have great hands --- Will have to do a better job of protecting his legs --- May not be a fit for every scheme.

Notes:
Technically just a one-year starter for the Horned Frogs but played extensively earlier in his career --- Was named 1st Team All-Mountain West as a senior --- Blocked four punts during his college career, including three in 2007 which tied him for the nations lead --- Played inside linebacker in college but could also project outside (WILL) at the next level --- Enjoyed a standout senior campaign and really shot up draft boards --- Best fit will come in a defensive scheme that keeps him clean, allowing him to roam free and flow to the ball --- Underpublicized but super talented with a terrific blend of production and physical tools.

http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/OLB/Daryl-Washington.php

 

[187]

Let John Lott get his hands on him this offseason and I love his potential. He should be able to bulk up from 230 to 245 without losing speed. I can definitely see us taking a thumper in the 4th or 5th round though, depending on how far Spikes falls he good be a very likely pick.

 

[Shogun]

Pick Analysis: The Cardinals move up to draft one of the fastest linebackers in the draft. Daryl Washington will step in immediately as Karlos Dansby's replacement inside, and give the Cardinals' linebacker corps more speed and athleticism. The Cardinals needed to find a starting linebacker early in the draft, and Washington has the skills to be a key contributor as a rookie.

Overview

Washington had his most impressive season as a collegiate football player in his first year as a starter for TCU. Washington lead the Horned frogs with 109 tackles and was clearly the most disruptive defender on the No. 1 defense in 2009. Washington has good height and athleticism for the position but lacks bulk when projecting him at the next level. He has gained 20 pounds over the past year and has a frame to carry additional weight moving forward in the NFL. He is an instinctive player that leverages the ball well and understands angles and run fits in the TCU defensive scheme. Washington is a solid open field tackler and the added bulk has helped his physical presence as a linebacker. He has good range in pursuit and has good lateral quickness and agility to be an effective coverage defender. Washington is a good football player that has been an excellent special teams contributor. He has improved his draft status dramatically by having an outstanding senior season.

Strengths

Washington possesses good height to add necessary bulk for the inside linebacker position. He’s a tough, competitive player, with a relentless motor who plays with disregard for his body. Instinctive performer who quickly diagnoses screens and draws. Good open field tackler. Comfortable playing in zone coverage and has the feet to cover backs in man coverage.

Weaknesses

Needs added bulk and must improve his power at the point to hold up in the box against the run. Can be engulfed by bigger blockers that get into his body. Was only a one-year starter with less playing experience than most prospects. Despite good instincts, Washington takes initial false steps at times.

Grade

8.1

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2010/profiles/daryl-washington?id=496959#tabs:tab-analysis

 

[football karma]

Gary Patterson, TCU coach on with G&A on Daryl Washington:

great character, will graduate with a degree, responsible for getting the defense called and aligned, loves the game, team leader who leads by example -- the best athlete he has had since Brian Urlacher, not as big as Brian, but faster.

 

[football karma]

on G&A from Cards HQ:

had Washington ranked #12 on the board. Got a call after the pick from another NFC team who told the Cards they they were ready to take him. FWIW

 

[Shogun]

I definitely love the pick. He's my favorite linebacker in this draft.

My pre-draft thoughts:

Daryl Washington is a do everything linebacker who main drawback is that he's smaller than you'd like. While you could argue that size is a concern, Washington showed up at TCU's Pro Day at 229 and ran well (4.46-4.51) with the potential to carry even more weight without losing much speed. His frame isn't close to being maxed out. And seeing as we use our WILB in the same vein as a 4-3 WILL, it wouldn't be anything too unfamiliar to Washington considering that he already has experience playing inside as a SAM in TCU's 4-2-5. And he was damn productive in that spot to boot.

Daryl Washington really draws a lot of parallels to Steelers ILB Lawrence Timmons when he came out of Florida State - extremely athletic, sideline-to-sideline range, but undersized and struggles to shed blockers. I was pushing hard for Timmons to be drafted here back in 2007 and after a year or two being cultivated he's proven to be a good linebacker. I see a similar outlook for Washington, arguably better since he is less of a project than Timmons was coming out.

A lot of draftniks project him to be a second round guy, but he's a first round talent and I don't feel that Weatherspoon is miles ahead of him as a prospect like some believe. I rate them really similar.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

posted by darren urban on April 23, 2010 – 4:18 pm

The Cards traded one of their third-round picks to move up 11 picks in the second round to take TCU LB Daryl Washington, the guy they might’ve taken in the first round had Dan Williams not been there. Not a huge surprise. They have one third-round pick left, the one they got from the Ravens. Washington needs to add some weight, but he was clearly a guy the Cards wanted to get to replace Karlos Dansby at weakside inside linebacker.

UPDATE: Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Washington was the 12th-rated player on the Cards’ board (one behind Williams) and was considered with the first round pick. GM Rod Graves said there wasn’t much debate on trading the third-round pick because it was “the right decision.” Whisenhunt said after the pick, one NFC team called to say it was going to take Washington “a couple of picks later.” Whiz didn’t specifically name the team.

 

[Shogun]

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[joeshmo]

Let John Lott get his hands on him this offseason and I love his potential. He should be able to bulk up from 230 to 245 without losing speed. I can definitely see us taking a thumper in the 4th or 5th round though, depending on how far Spikes falls he good be a very likely pick.

Could not disagree more. 15 pounds on that dudes frame would be horrible for him. He has never even played at 230 in his football career, he has always been under 225 so I would say 235 is ideal. They will undoubtedly follow the Timmons mold, meaning he will stay in the 230 to 235 range but make him a stronger 235 who gets taught how to use leverage better. Of which I was leery of in the 1st but now that we have a fatty up front I am fine with the pick.

The one draw back with the Timmons mold is that I feel there is a 99% chance that it will take almost just as long to see the fruit, and it took Timmons a full two years before he developed. Maybe a little faster with a better strength coach but I think beyond special teams we are going to be disappointed in his production this year.

 

[Shogun]

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[football karma]

Could not disagree more. 15 pounds on that dudes frame would be horrible for him. He has never even played at 230 in his football career, he has always been under 225 so I would say 235 is ideal. .

I agree

first -- Lott generally has been a "less is more" kinda guy on size.

Also -- this is a guy who needs to be protected to be effective. The Cardinals didnt have Karlos Dansby stepping up and taking on blockers in a gap -- they let him flow to plays. Washington ultimately will be similiar

 

[joeshmo]

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Kind of wish you didn't post that one. It should be used as a tool to show high school kids on how not to tackle. That was a horrible minute clip of really bad tackling technique. He was high on nearly all of them and NFL talent will wiggle out of this guys arms all day long if he continues that crap. The only good I saw was he was he at least always in the right spot, sometimes uncanny in that ability, but he has zero finishing ability.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Could not disagree more. 15 pounds on that dudes frame would be horrible for him. He has never even played at 230 in his football career, he has always been under 225 so I would say 235 is ideal. They will undoubtedly follow the Timmons mold, meaning he will stay in the 230 to 235 range but make him a stronger 235 who gets taught how to use leverage better. Of which I was leery of in the 1st but now that we have a fatty up front I am fine with the pick.

The one draw back with the Timmons mold is that I feel there is a 99% chance that it will take almost just as long to see the fruit, and it took Timmons a full two years before he developed. Maybe a little faster with a better strength coach but I think beyond special teams we are going to be disappointed in his production this year.

So, he plays nickle LB, and on special teams. We are out of base "D" 60% of the time, so he'll get plenty of opportunity to grow into the job.

As for his physical growth, I'm with you... 235 LB in fine.

Give him to Lott. With proper nutrition and work, he'll be there in no time.

Weatherspoon would have come in at under 240, and no one would have complained about his size.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

Now we have a Washington player for Cheese's Washington song.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I agree

first -- Lott generally has been a "less is more" kinda guy on size.

Also -- this is a guy who needs to be protected to be effective. The Cardinals didnt have Karlos Dansby stepping up and taking on blockers in a gap -- they let him flow to plays. Washington ultimately will be similiar

.... and this is why we shouldn't be seeing this pick without considering the importance of our round #1 pick.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Now we have a Washington player for Cheese's Washington song.

ha!

 

[Mulli]

Did you watch the whole thing? He was at or below the knees tackling in about half of them?

 

[joeshmo]

Weatherspoon would have come in at under 240, and no one would have complained about his size.

That is because they have different body builds, different frames.

I dont think he even comes in as a nickel LB for the first half of the year. To many opportunities for open field tackles in the nickel LB role and his biggest knock is his open field tackling ability, its why a lot of teams were looking at him to play in the middle where he can play in a box instead. Its a fixable ability though, where as he seems to already have the abilities that either have or you don't like leadership, smarts, instincts and natural athletic ability.

 

[joeshmo]

Did you watch the whole thing? He was at or below the knees tackling in about half of them?

I did watch the whole thing and the only time he went low was when he had to dive or did the famous Ronald McKinnon Drag down tackle method. His tackles did not start with him going low, they may have ended up with him low because the used the drag down method but they without a doubt did not start low. 90% were arm tackles, drag down tackles, or high tackles in that clip.

 

[Shogun]

"We had Daryl in on a post-combine visit, and we were struck by how intelligent the kid was,"general manager Rod Graves said. "He had an excellent year. Our guys felt like he was probably the most athletic linebacker in this year's draft."

Washington, 6-2, 230 pounds, is regarded as one of the faster linebackers in the draft. Graves on the decision to move up in the draft: "For the player we had the opportunity to get, it was not a difficult decision. We didn't think he would be there when we selected at our original position (58th), so we felt like it was the right thing to do. We had an extra third-round pick and that was what it was going to take in order to move up into that area. We didn't debate it too long because we knew the quality of player we were going after."

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt on taking nose tackle Dan Williams and Washington: "We feel like we got two of the top defensive players in the draft and it just so happens they fit needs for us. So that's a bonus. I think from now on before every draft I'm going to say we're going to draft the best available player for our needs. So far, it's two for two."

Whisenhunt on how Washington will be used: "It's hard to find a linebacker who can play all three downs. That's an area we felt we'd like to address, our dime linebacker or our sub-linebacker. That is one of the things he does very well. As far as an every down linebacker, that's what the goal is, but you know us, he has to earn that. But it gives us a good young player who fast, athletic. He will have some contributions on special teams as he works his way into play time."

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/car...ls-draft-linebacker-daryl-washington-TCU.html

 

[joeshmo]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/car...ls-draft-linebacker-daryl-washington-TCU.html

I would completely agree with that assessment. All of his negatives or habits are very coach-able were as his strengths are just something you either have or you don't, and he has them.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

That is because they have different body builds, different frames.

I dont think he even comes in as a nickel LB for the first half of the year. To many opportunities for open field tackles in the nickel LB role and his biggest knock is his open field tackling ability, its why a lot of teams were looking at him to play in the middle where he can play in a box instead. Its a fixable ability though, where as he seems to already have the abilities that either have or you don't like leadership, smarts, instincts and natural athletic ability.

Whisenhunt on how Washington will be used: "It's hard to find a linebacker who can play all three downs. That's an area we felt we'd like to address, our dime linebacker or our sub-linebacker. That is one of the things he does very well. As far as an every down linebacker, that's what the goal is, but you know us, he has to earn that. But it gives us a good young player who fast, athletic. He will have some contributions on special teams as he works his way into play time."

 

[joeshmo]

Whisenhunt on how Washington will be used: "It's hard to find a linebacker who can play all three downs. That's an area we felt we'd like to address, our dime linebacker or our sub-linebacker. That is one of the things he does very well. As far as an every down linebacker, that's what the goal is, but you know us, he has to earn that. But it gives us a good young player who fast, athletic. He will have some contributions on special teams as he works his way into play time."

What else do you expect him to say? Its the same stuff he says about all of his rookies.