Pac-12 DC believes Miami Dolphins might’ve gotten a ‘significant steal’ with their 7th-round pick

At least one defensive coordinator who works for a team in the Pac-12 Conference believes that Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tahj Washington — whom the Dolphins selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft — might go down as a “significant steal.”

“The same coach noted that Tahj Washington, one of two USC wide receivers selected in the seventh round, could be a significant steal for the Miami Dolphins,” Adam Rittenburg wrote. “Despite a smaller frame — 5-foot-10, 174 pounds — Washington impressed with his toughness and willingness to block.”

Washington played five seasons of college football — two as a member of the University of Memphis and three with the University of Southern California — before getting drafted to the NFL.

His first season of college football — when he played for the Tigers — was unimpressive, considering he appeared in just four games during the 2019 season and totaled 32 receiving yards on three receptions.

But to his credit, Washington had many more opportunities for playing time in his second and final season with the Tigers, and he made the most of them. Across 11 games played with the team in the 2020 campaign, he finished with 743 receiving yards, 43 receptions and six receiving touchdowns while averaging 17.3 yards per reception.

However, the 22-year-old wide receiver arguably saved his most productive season of college football for his fifth and final season at the collegiate level, the 2023 season, when he was a member of the Trojans. The 2023 season marked the first season of his college football career where he managed to rack up over 1,000 receiving yards (1,062), and he also accumulated eight receiving touchdowns on 59 total receptions.

Washington ended his football career at the collegiate level with 3,224 receiving yards, 209 receptions, and 21 receiving touchdowns while averaging 15.4 yards per reception.

Fortunately for Washington, he will have an opportunity to learn from one of the best wide receivers in the world in Tyreek Hill. Hill led the NFL in receiving yards (1,799) and receiving touchdowns (13) in 16 games played with the Dolphins during the 2023 regular season.

Playing alongside a receiver of Hill’s caliber should only aid in Washington’s development. Here’s to hoping that the youngster will be able to make a positive impact on the offensive side of the ball with his receiving and blocking abilities for the Dolphins by the time the 2024 regular season begins.