Malik Washington's 'Toughness' at Receiver Makes Him Potential Steal for Titans in NFL Draft

INDIANAPOLIS — Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan said on Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine that this year's receiver class is so deep that he expects some players selected in the fourth round of the draft could make an immediate impact. Virginia's Malik Washington might be one of those guys.

Washington doesn't have the highest draft projection heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, ranked as the No. 131 prospect in the class, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). But those numbers don't faze the former Virginia receiver.

The 5-foot-8, 195-pound Washington believes he can make an immediate impact for any franchise — something the Titans desperately need at receiver. He also says he brings a unique quality to the position.

"I offer something that can't be taught — that yards after the catch. That's just a mentality, attitude-type thing," Washington said at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday. 

"But I also think, for me going into my rookie season, I'm ready to go right now. I don't wanna wait, I don't wanna try to sit back behind anybody, I wanna try to go earn that spot right now. Teams need somebody who can make an immediate impact, and I can do that."

Washington finished the 2023 season at Virginia with 1,426 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 110 catches. He averaged 6.4 yards after each catch.

He's exactly the type of receiver the Titans need, especially if he's available in the later rounds of the draft. He may not be the No. 1 target for Will Levis, but his reliable hands and his ability to extend plays would be a major benefit for an offense that lacks talent.

"I've tried to think really hard about just one guy tackling me. I can't do it. I get fuzz in my head when. think about one guy tackling me. Since I was young, every single play, I know there's more out there on the field. Every time I catch the ball, there's something more. ...

"Give me the ball at five yards and we'll go get 40."

Both general manager Ran Carthon and Callahan talked about adding playmakers to the roster. Washington could be a candidate to fill that void.