Chauncey Washington (USC) - 2008 NFL Draft Pick #213 by JAX
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Chauncey Washington (USC)
Position: Running Back
College: University of Southern California (USC)
Draft Year: 2008
Overview
Chauncey Washington was a highly regarded running back coming out of USC, known for his combination of size, speed, and versatility. During his college career, he showcased his ability to be a productive runner as well as a capable receiver out of the backfield.
Strengths
- Size and Athleticism: Washington possessed a solid frame, standing at 6'1" and weighing around 220 pounds, making him a powerful presence in the backfield.
- Speed: He demonstrated impressive straight-line speed and the ability to break away from defenders on long runs.
- Versatility: Washington was effective as both a runner and a receiver, contributing to the passing game, which increased his value to NFL teams.
- Football IQ: He showed good instincts and decision-making skills on the field, allowing him to read defenses and find running lanes.
Weaknesses
- Injury History: Washington had a few injury concerns during his college career that raised questions about his durability at the next level.
- Consistency: While he had flashes of brilliance, there were games where he struggled to perform at a high level, leading to concerns about his reliability.
- Blocking Skills: His pass protection skills were still a work in progress, which could limit his playing time in certain offensive schemes.
Projection
Chauncey Washington was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft. Teams were intrigued by his potential and physical traits, but concerns about his consistency and injury history could impact his draft stock. He was viewed as a candidate for a rotational role in the NFL, with the potential to develop into a starting running back if he could overcome his challenges.
Conclusion
Washington's combination of size, speed, and versatility made him an appealing prospect for NFL teams looking for depth at the running back position. While he had areas to improve, his college experience at a prestigious program like USC prepared him for the challenges of the professional level.