Finding a gem on day three is no easy task. There are hours and hours of film study, trying to go through hundreds of prospects to find that one diamond in the rough. Last season, the Atlanta Falcons seemed to have struck gold with the fall of cornerback Clark Phillips III and are looking to him to fill the cornerback role opposite A.J. Terrell as OTAs finish. This year, the falling gem looked to be fourth-round defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus. But according to Sports Illustrated’s Daniel Flick, another day-three rookie looks to have taken the mantle of OTA standout, and he plays wide receiver.
Perhaps the most impressive Falcons rookie thus far has been sixth-round receiver Casey Washington, who ascended from the third- and fourth-string offense early in camp to the first- and second-team by the middle.
Washington and Penix have already formed strong on-field chemistry, and the former has been a favorite target for the latter during seven-on-seven drills. Atlanta may be looking at a scenario where it carries six receivers – London, Mooney, Washington, veteran special teams standout KhaDarel Hodge and slots Ray-Ray McCloud and Rondale Moore.
After being drafted, there were numerous reports that former Fighting Illini receiver Casey Washington could be a potential early-impact player for Atlanta. In the team’s overhaul of the receiver room, they added speed and versatility but not much size.
At 6’2″, 200 pounds, Washington adds that size and, more importantly, the ability to win 50/50 balls outside the numbers. While most of Zac Robinson’s offense projects are predicated on in-breaking routes and attacking the middle of the field, that element of winning on the outside can separate this team from being a good offense to a great one.
Washington was adept at making 50/50 balls look like 80/20 balls at Illinois. He also showed an ability to find hidden yards after the catch, which is always a plus. If Washington continues on his current trajectory, the Falcons will have no choice but to add him as a sixth receiver on the roster, as Flick reported.
