Brandon Washington NFL Draft prospect notes

Brandon Washington
6'4, 320 pounds | Guard/Tackle | Miami

First word: Despite starting 13 games at right guard last season, Miami is turning to Washington to play tackle this season after Seantrel Henderson went down with a back injury. As an NFL prospect, Washington may be better as a guard, but he clearly has some tools to line up on the outside.

Washington was arguably the best player on the field in Miami's 31-3 win over Pittsburgh last season. He graded out at 99 percent for the game, the best performance by any Hurricanes lineman on the season. He was second on the team last season with 56 pancake blocks, which shows his value as a run blocker.

Games viewed: (All 2010) Ohio State, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame

Bold statement: Washington will develop this season into one of the nation's best offensive linemen. As a prospect he may never be a top-tier player, but will be a good player at the next level.

Notes:

• Is deceptively athletic for a big-bodied offensive lineman. Gets out on the move nicely. Has been used some on pulls.

• Strong as a drive blocker, locking into his block and pushing the defensive lineman around.

• Needs to refine his technique some. Is more of a waist bender than a knee bender. Doesn't always extend his arms.

• Because of his technique flaws, Washington will sometime give up his leverage.

• Good quickness to get off the snap. Shows quick feet to move around, which is why he may be able to stick as a right tackle. Probably not quite athletic enough to play at left tackle.

• When he's asked to turn inside to the left, Washington has good enough feet to handle quicker interior linemen.

• Isn't a player who will be scheme exclusive at the next level.

• Has good size for the position. While he's a large individual, Washington isn't simply a big belly guard.