Editor’s note: NESN.com will profile intriguing prospects in the days leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft. Next up: Ohio State defensive lineman Adolphus Washington.
Adolphus Washington, defensive lineman, Ohio State
6-foot-3, 301 pounds
Projected round: Third to fourth
2015 stats: Four sacks, 49 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one pass defensed
Testing numbers: 5.03-second 40-yard dash, 1.73-second 10-yard split, 28-inch vertical jump, 8-foot, 3-inch broad jump, 4.79-second short shuttle, 8.06-second three-cone drill, 21 bench-press reps of 225 pounds
Strengths: Washington was a disruptive presence in the middle of the Buckeyes’ defense, recording 48 total pressures in 2015, according to Pro Football Focus. He finished 10th among draft-eligible players with a 9.8 in Pro Football Focus’ pass-rush productivity score. Washington was a standout in Senior Bowl practices, too, rating high in one-on-one and team drills.
Weaknesses: Washington was suspended for the Fiesta Bowl after being arrested for solicitation. He didn’t have a strong combine, showing below-average athleticism in his broad jump, short shuttle and three-cone drill. Washington has trouble finding the ball behind the line of scrimmage, according to Pro Football Focus.
Patriots fit: Washington isn’t a fit for the Patriots based on his testing scores, but New England doesn’t seem to highly value athleticism at defensive tackle. He appears to be a good fit in the Patriots’ two-gap scheme, however, and could play either one- or three-technique defensive tackle. Bill Belichick could be hesitant to draft another Urban Meyer-coached defensive tackle after Dominique Easley didn’t pan out in New England.
Thumbnail photo via Joe Maiorana/USA TODAY Sports Images
