After a 3-1 finish in a COVID-shortened 2020 season, Washington struggled to 4-8 recorded last year. However, don’t blame their top cornerbacks, who routinely locked down their sides of the field and now head to the NFL Draft. In addition to them, which Huskies prospects should you keep an eye on at Washington’s 2022 Pro Day, and what can we expect from the top players participating?
When is the Washington Pro Day in 2022?
- Date: Tuesday, March 29Â
- Time: 11 AM ET
Last year, Washington had six draft-eligible prospects and six others who had already been draft-eligible participate at their pro day. The result was four players going within the first 166 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Huskies should have three players go within the same range in this year’s event.
Washington has received the “DBU” moniker over the years, and it’s hard to argue with their success in developing defensive backs. They’ve had six corners drafted in the first two rounds since 2013, with three more going in later rounds. Just last year, former Huskies Elijah Molden (third round) and Keith Taylor (fifth round) heard their names called. Who will join them this April?
Top Washington NFL Draft prospects working out at pro day
Four Huskies were invited to the NFL Combine: cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon, tight end Cade Otton, and offensive lineman Luke Wattenberg. However, that list has one obvious omission.
Two-time All-Pac-12 first-team left tackle Jaxson Kirkland opted out of the 2022 NFL Draft after learning an ankle injury suffered during the season was more serious than anticipated. He has reportedly requested a final season of eligibility from the NCAA.
Nevertheless, who are the top prospects you should keep an eye on before and after Washington’s Pro Day?
Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon, CB
While there are a few other Washington prospects worthy of note, the Huskies’ Pro Day starts and ends with cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon. They are both athletic freaks with the ability to leap out of the building and accelerate to full speed all the same.
Although McDuffie has received most of the hype, Gordon will cement his early Day 2 status with a stellar performance at his pro day.
Cade Otton, TE
Cade Otton set Tumwater high school records for career receptions (95), receiving yards (1,705), and receiving touchdowns (33). In four years at Washington, Otton corraled 91 passes for 1,026 yards and 9 TDs. He spent most of his time in-line with the Huskies, but he also saw over 30% of his snaps career snaps from the slot.
Otton is an impressive mover at 6’5″ and 250 pounds and is an excellent blocker in space. His testing should reflect his tape, with above-average agility numbers.
Other players to watch for at Washington’s 2022 Pro Day
- Tyrell Bynum, WR
- Luke Wattenberg, OL
- Ryan Bowman, EDGE
- Brendan Radley-Hiles, CB
