Malik Washington 2024 NFL Draft projection: How high could Virginia Cavaliers WR go?
In the 2024 NFL Draft loaded with top wide receiver talent, Malik Washington is emerging as a sleeper candidate. He has been widely overlooked as a top wide receiver as the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze dominate the discussion.
But Malik Washington should not be slept on. He was a First Team All-ACC in 2023 and has been a consistent performer. We look at his draft day projection and future.
Malik Washington 2024 NFL Draft Projection
Malik Washington is expected to go in the third to the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He is 5'8-1/2" and weighs 191 lbs. He ran a 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds. While that is not elite, he could have made the second round in other drafts but because of the depth this year, he is likely to drop further.
He finished with 110 receptions for 1426 yards and 9 touchdowns in his final year, showing great development and he could be a steal in the later rounds. He could add depth to certain teams that might need it.
3 best landing spots for Malik Washington
#1 - Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs needed a receiver irrespective of what happened elsewhere. They won the Super Bowl last season based on Andy Reid's experience, Patrick Mahomes' playoff excellence, Travis Kelce's clutch mentality, and a mean defense that shut others down. In effect, they won despite their receivers and not because of them.
And then in the offseason, star cornerback L'Jarius Sneed left for the Tennessee Titans, and wide receiver Rashee Rice got embroiled in an off-field saga. So, now they may have to draft a cornerback in the earlier rounds before having to pick again towards the middle-to-end rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft to add a wide receiver. Malik Washington could be a very good option for them.
For the player, it would also represent one of the best landing spots in all of football as he will get to play with an offensive coach, a star quarterback, and a team that will compete for honors.
#2 - Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are another team that needs to address the wide receiver position.In fact, having lost Stefon Diggs this offseason, they need to pick one in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. But that is not going to be someone like Malik Washington.
However, they might need to draft another wide receiver in the third or fourth round because they lost Gabe Davis as well. Therefore, they need to invest in another player like him later in the draft.
For Malik Washington, it is a great fit as well. Coming out of college, one wants to play for the best quarterbacks in professional football, so that they can build a better resume in their rookie contract years. Josh Allen is one of the best out there.
#3 - New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have the third pick in this year's draft and are widely expected to draft a quarterback. But in the later rounds, they need to pick some weapons for their rookie player.
Therefore, they need a good wide receiver that might still be available lower in the 2024 NFL Draft. Malik Washington represents great value there. He would also be lucky to go to the Patriots at a time when they can grow together as a young team and there are fewer expectations. The Green Bay Packers last year could be a template to follow when their youthful dynamism took them all the way to the playoffs. It could allow him the basis to form a successful career.