Sixth-round draft choices, Tom Brady notwithstanding, are not expected to wow their coaches and new teammates before ever playing a game.
But that’s what rookie wide receiver Casey Washington out of Illinois managed to do before the Atlanta Falcons’ practices ended last week.
He quickly made a name for himself by exhibiting toughness, soft hands, and an enviable work ethic.
Daniel Flick noted that Washington immediately caught the attention of coaches and fellow receivers with his outstanding performances at OTAs and minicamp.
Falcons rookie WR Casey Washington was impressive during OTAs and minicamp. I thought so, & WRs coach Ike Hilliard agreed. So does Drake London.
Inside Washington’s strong start, backed by toughness, “rare” hands & the reality his dreams have arrived:https://t.co/zhRjC5BlnI
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) June 16, 2024
Falcons wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard heaped praise on the rookie, as did the team’s top wideout, Drake London.
The man who will be new quarterback Kirk Cousins’ favorite target told the media gathered in Flowery Branch that Washington has fit in very well with his new teammates.
The final games of his college career convinced Atlanta scouts and coaches that he was worth drafting in April.
Washington, who stands at 6-2 and 200 pounds, caught a pedestrian 27 passes for 295 yards in the first nine games of the 2023 season at Illinois.
Then he caught fire.
His final three games in a college uniform saw Washington haul in 27 passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns, including a nine-catch, 218-yard performance when he reached paydirt three times.
Couple that with his pro day performance that included a 39.5-inch vertical leap and a 4.46 40-yard dash, and the Falcons were convinced they may have stumbled onto a hidden treasure.
And, as sixth-round gems have repeatedly shown in NFL history, these discoveries may make significant impacts on the league.
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