2024 Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update: Malik Washington
The NFL Draft is behind us, rookie drafts are taking place, and as dynasty managers, we are looking ahead to the upcoming season. In our Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update series, we break down all the incoming fantasy-relevant rookies, looking at their profiles and where they fit. The basis of the rookie profile involves the usage of STORM analysis, focusing on five key components: Situation, Talent, Opportunity, Risk, and Market.
Situation
Name: Malik Washington
Position: Wide Receiver
Pro Team: Miami Dolphins
College Team: Virginia
Draft Status: Round 6, 184th overall
Washington enters the NFL after seemingly a full career after four seasons at Northwestern before transferring to Virginia for his final season. With such a consolidated offense in Miami between the running game and superstar pass catchers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, is there any meat left on the bone for a third receiver? If so, does Washington profile as the type of player to capitalize? Let’s dig in.
Talent
Malik Washington Combine Results:
- Height: 5′ 8″
- Weight: 191 lbs
- Arm: 30.375“
- Hand: 9.25”
- 40-yard dash: 4.47
- 10-yard split: 1.57
- Vertical Jump: 42.5
- Broad Jump: 10’06
Data courtesy of RAS.
Washington’s elite category explosion metrics are most intriguing, especially paired with his good 40-yard dash and 3-cone times. Despite his diminutive height, his weight makes his stature less of a concern. Though not a pure burner, it is no surprise that Miami found his profile attractive.
Data courtesy of RAS.
His most intriguing comp from those provided is clearly Santonio Holmes, who had a productive career with six straight seasons above 600 yards receiving, including four straight of at least 800 yards. Even as a high-end outcome based on his athletic scores, this would be a tremendous find in the sixth round for the Dolphins and for dynasty managers, alike.
Opportunity
Miami Dolphins Depth Chart:
Data courtesy of 4for4.com
Outside of tight end Jonnu Smith, the Dolphins did not add any other pass catchers during free agency. Surrounded by electrifying speed everywhere, including fellow rookie running back Jaylen Wright, the Dolphins selected Washington in the sixth round. On a depth chart devoid of talent behind superstars Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Miami emerged from the NFL Draft with Washington slotted third on their depth chart.
Shortly after the NFL Draft, jersey Photoshoppers finally had their Dolphins day as four-time free agent and veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham signed in Miami adding his name to the mix. While Beckham is a shell of his former self, he presents an immediate roadblock for week one snaps for Washington. However, it seems likely that by mid-season, Washington is playing meaningful snaps in three wide receiver sets.
Risk
Data courtesy of Sports Reference.
Preferably, you would either see a player as an early declare or significant production over multiple years if they were to use the full extent of their eligibility. Unfortunately, neither is the case for Washington. His four years at Northwestern were fairly unproductive in raw yardage and touchdowns, due in large part to Northwestern’s overall poor offensive output. However, Washington was a significant part of the offense in both his junior and senior seasons for the Wildcats. As a grad transfer at Virginia, he shined, leading the nation with 110 receptions and 10 games of 100+ yards receiving. Additionally, he amassed 1,426 yards receiving and caught nine touchdown passes, leading to being named a top-ten finalist for the Biletnikoff Award presented to the nation’s top wide receiver. Seemingly, he should be a fine, yet reliable producer in a low-volume role surrounded by enthralling stars. It would seem that Washington’s risk is of a low ceiling, especially if those around him remain healthy.
Market
Courtesy of May DLF SF Rookie ADP
One of the most exciting aspects about Washington in dynasty leagues is his fixture in the fourth round of rookie drafts. His 38.40 ADP in May DLF Superflex Rookie mocks places him at WR19. There are some exciting picks in this range, but Washington should certainly be drafted ahead of Ja’Tavion Sanders and Spencer Rattler, though an argument could be made for taking him above others he is also behind. Anywhere after Tyrone Tracy Jr represents a green light for me.
Courtesy of DLF’s Trade Analyzer
For a single quarterback slant, the DLF Dynasty Trade Analyzer displays how cheap Washington is to acquire, as all the names listed have twice as much value. I would rather take the flyer on the prospect profile and offense over the likes of Will Levis, Tucker Kraft and Chigoziem Okonkwo. I happen to like many of the other names on the list, but maybe not twice as much as Washington.
Washington may not be the flashiest name in your dynasty rookie drafts, but he does provide potential production consistency with some upside accessing a tremendous offense at a very minimal price. Despite being smaller than the more prototypical receivers at the top of this draft, his other athletic traits provide Mike McDaniel another exciting option. He should receive some isolated looks within the offense with defenses prioritizing Hill, Waddle, and Achane. This is the rare sixth-round selection to a top-heavy depth chart where you may not have to wait very long for a decent snap share, especially with Miami utilizing a rotation resulting from their top-2 utilization of pre-snap motion causing endurance issues. Targets should be harder to come by in the short term, though the Dolphins have unfortunately dealt with injuries too frequently. Washington would likely be ready to capitalize on a significant portion of any work he accumulates because of in-season availability changes to the top options in the offense.
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