Buccaneers’ Draft Profile: DT – Adolphus Washington
The Buccaneers project to grab a defensive lineman or two in the 2016 NFL Draft. With Gerald McCoy being the only real long-term piece on the line, they would well-served to give Adolphus Washington a look.
Defensive tackle Adolphus Washington is the “other” defensive lineman in the draft after 1st-Round stud Joey Bosa. While he may not be the top Buckeye prospect, he is one of at least eight who figure to be grabbed up by NFL franchises in the first two rounds. Recently, Washington took time to speak with me about how he sees himself fitting in the NFL, and he said some things which might be of some interest to those who love the Buccaneers.
When I asked him who some players were which have influenced his style, Washington said:
"“I watch a lot of d-tackles, I like guys like Gerald McCoy. I like Marcell Dareus and Aaron Donald, all of them play a little different but I try to do things that they do.”"
As a three-technique defensive tackle, McCoy is one of the best – if not the best – in the NFL today. He’s had at least eight sacks in each of the last three seasons, and has done so despite not having any consistently effective teammates next to him.
As he begins his NFL life, Washington sees some similarities between himself and the Oklahoma great,
"“We are similar, both 6’4” around 300 lbs., can get after the passer (and) plays hard. I just feel like we’re very similar in our build and the way we play.”"
Echoing his own assessment, Washington projects to be a three-technique interior lineman like McCoy, and with the Buccaneers’ expected to run a predominantly 4-3 base, they should be looking to add a nose tackle type to go with McCoy. However, don’t count Washington out just yet.
As a Buckeye, Washington was originally brought to Columbus as a defensive end, and was even slated as a starter prior to an injury which opened the door for Bosa to explode onto the national scene.
His strong suit is pass rushing, and while he looks a little small for a nose tackle, he’s compares well to some of the league’s current defensive ends. In fact, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compares the Ohio State lineman to Wallace Gilberry, a 4-3 defensive end who plays in Washington’s home town of Cincinnati.
So while he may not come onto the team playing in the position he had his best success with in college, he’d be a versatile member of the defense who also possesses some experience playing over the center.
With McCoy’s injury woes last season, it’s not unreasonable for the Bucs to invest in a prospect who can step into the three if the All-Pro were to miss time. The rotational use he provides on the edge would also bring value to a team who suffered setbacks with penalties, injuries, and fatigue throughout the 2015 season.
On draft day, the Bucs will most likely look elsewhere with the 39th overall pick, but some creativity and the right opportunity could find the team back in the 2nd-round somewhere around pick 50 (The New York Jets currently possess the 51st pick, and have a need at quarterback).
Next: Dotson to Start at Right Tackle
After possibly missing out on some of the drafts more popular defensive linemen in the first round, Washington would be a flexible option who can help out wherever he’s needed should the team take a chance on him.