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***Official*** Dwayne Washington, RB, DET (1 Viewer)

JFS171

Footballguy


We may need a thread for Dwayne Washington. When I was going through the target numbers for college RB, he had some pretty good efficiency stats relative to the other RB of this draft class.

I have read a few posters here mention him at times, but I don't think he has a thread yet.


Ask and ye shall receive... it's time this man get's a thread. 

Let's start at the beginning... here's Waldman and Bloom in the RSP Film Room: https://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2015/11/20/rsp-film-room-no-64-huskies-rb-dwayne-washington-wsigmund-bloom/?utm_content=bufferd7d65&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

We've got another former WR converting to RB, only this one's a SPARQ freak.  We don't have combine numbers, cause he wasn't invited (at least I don't believe he was).  At his pro day, at 6'1" and 223lbs, he posted 21 reps on the bench; a 4.48 40 with a 1.58 10-yard split; a vertical of 37.5"; a broad of 127"; a 3-cone of 6.85; a short shuttle of 4.22.  Had he been at the combine, those figures would've ranked him 10th on the bench; 8th in the 40; 4th in the vertical; 4th in the broad jump; 2nd in the 3-cone; 6th in the short shuttle.  Further food for thought... per Kevin Cole's decision tree over at RotoViz (paid, but RotoViz gives free reads occassionally), strictly looking at what combine drills matter for RBs from a modeling perspective, Washington falls in the 78% success rate bucket -- using his pro day numbers, but that's all we've got.  The stars of that bucket? Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, DeMarco Murray, Latavius Murray, Darren McFadden, and Joseph Addai, to name a few.

Josh NorrisVerified account @JoshNorris Aug 12

Dwayne Washington, owner of a SPARQ score in the 86.9 percentile per @zjwhitman
Fast forward to the first preseason game, and we get this:https://twitter.com/NFL/status/764274695575261184

And this:https://twitter.com/JeffRisdon/status/764861752836317184

Then last night, this:

Michael RothsteinVerified account @mikerothstein 14h14 hours ago


Dwayne Washington also getting some second-team work now ahead of George Winn & Stevan Ridley. #Lions
And then this morning, the Detroit Free Press has this headline: Detroit Lions' Dwayne Washington impresses among mediocre RB corps.  And therein lies a good chunk of why this guy is interesting.  Abdullah has the pedigree and elusiveness, but he can't seem to hold onto the ball and he's currently hurt.  Plus, the Lions seem to feel the need to supplement Abdullah's work given they brought in Ridley this offseason (who now appears to suck), and brought in Washington in the 7th round.  Theo Riddick will have a role, and they're trying to see more of what he can do while running the ball, but it's not going that well -- especially between the tackles.  Riddick is also in the final year of his deal.  Last season's preseason darling Zach Zenner is still around, but gained only 4 yards on 4 carries last night. 

Washington is having to earn his keep in a variety of ways - playing RB, catching the ball, gunning for special teams, and as a returner.  He's flashing though -- big time.  This guy's just learning how to play RB, but his upside is enormous, and he's well on his way to making this roster.  Washington was probably an ideal candidate for the practice squad as a guy they could groom and teach, but I'm not sure he'll make it there if they cut him.  Time to start talking about this guy...





 
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Here are four DB game cut ups of Washington.

I watched these each once. I only stopped to rewind a couple times on one big play against AZ in 2014. While Washington does a good job on this play, I see it more a result of some decent blocking for a change.

Washington is not a very creative runner from what I have seen from these games. He does have enough speed to get to the edge at times, he does not run that well between the tackles and does not break many tackles when he does. Infrequently makes defenders miss, does better with this when running outside the tackles. He does have some pretty nice hands and he can track the ball over his shoulder like a WR. Nothing that impressive about his routes, pretty basic stuff. He is a willing and some times good pass blocker. He gets totally destroyed on one block, but hey at least he was trying. There are a couple other blocks where I think he does a pretty nice job.

College stats

2015 8 games 47 rushing attempts 282 yards 6.0 ypc 4 TD 30 targets 25 receptions 315 yards 83.3% catch rate 10.5 YPT 12.6 YPR 3 TD
2014 12 games 132 rushing attempts 697 yards 5.3 ypc 9 TD 18 targets 15 receptions 91 yards 83.3% catch rate 5.0 YPT 6.1 YPR
2013 11 games 47 rushing attempts 332 yards 7.1 ypc 4 TD 1 target 1 reception    5 yards    100.0% catch rate 5.0 YPT 5.0 YPR 1 TD

Total 31 games 226 rushing attempts 1311 yards 5.8 ypc 17 TD 49 targets 41 receptions 83.7% catch rate 411 yards 8.4 YPT 10.0 YPR 4 TD
Per game 7.3 rushing attempts 42.3 yards .55 TD 1.6 targets 1.3 receptions 13.3 yards .13 TD

 
Whiffed on a punt return tackle that resulted in a 30 yard return saved by the punter. The Bengals other PR went for 24. You might think who cares but a guy on the bubble needs to make those plays to solidify his spot.

He's outplaying Ridley and Winn so far by a good ways. Quinn of course came from the Pats and knew Ridley in his prime. He's not that guy anymore. The final roster should be AA, Burton (FB), Theo, Washington & ZZ. Off merit that's what it should look like.

Doubt he holds any value in redraft this year but one to monitor.

 
Drum beat getting louder...

Pride Of Detroit@PrideOfDetroit 48m48 minutes ago

Caldwell on Dwayne Washington: "He's got some talent and I think you'll continue to see him get better and better."

Paula Pasche@paulapasche 2h2 hours ago

#Lions OC Jim Bob Cooter on Dwayne Washington: 'When he gets ball he does impressive things.' Wants to see pass protection improvement.

 
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Here are four DB game cut ups of Washington.

I watched these each once. I only stopped to rewind a couple times on one big play against AZ in 2014. While Washington does a good job on this play, I see it more a result of some decent blocking for a change.

Washington is not a very creative runner from what I have seen from these games. He does have enough speed to get to the edge at times, he does not run that well between the tackles and does not break many tackles when he does. Infrequently makes defenders miss, does better with this when running outside the tackles. He does have some pretty nice hands and he can track the ball over his shoulder like a WR. Nothing that impressive about his routes, pretty basic stuff. He is a willing and some times good pass blocker. He gets totally destroyed on one block, but hey at least he was trying. There are a couple other blocks where I think he does a pretty nice job.

College stats

2015 8 games 47 rushing attempts 282 yards 6.0 ypc 4 TD 30 targets 25 receptions 315 yards 83.3% catch rate 10.5 YPT 12.6 YPR 3 TD
2014 12 games 132 rushing attempts 697 yards 5.3 ypc 9 TD 18 targets 15 receptions 91 yards 83.3% catch rate 5.0 YPT 6.1 YPR
2013 11 games 47 rushing attempts 332 yards 7.1 ypc 4 TD 1 target 1 reception    5 yards    100.0% catch rate 5.0 YPT 5.0 YPR 1 TD

Total 31 games 226 rushing attempts 1311 yards 5.8 ypc 17 TD 49 targets 41 receptions 83.7% catch rate 411 yards 8.4 YPT 10.0 YPR 4 TD
Per game 7.3 rushing attempts 42.3 yards .55 TD 1.6 targets 1.3 receptions 13.3 yards .13 TD
If the guy is as talented as he seems to be on paper why wasn't he utilized more in three college seasons?  267 touches in three seasons?  Something doesn't add up here.

 
I don't think those numbers are particularly good, just putting that information out there for purpose of comparison.

His receiving numbers are good from an efficiency perspective but it is pretty low volume. The rushing stats are not very good at all, when he got 132 carries his YPC dropped significantly, which generally happens with all players.

I mostly just noticed this guy because he has the same last name as DeAndre Washington and high catch rate. 2015 was the only year he had good yards per target stats.

:shrug: I don't think any RB has the job locked down in Detroit, so I thought he was worth a closer look.

 
Welp - looks like my flag is already planted on this one, so might as well keep shoveling deeper...

Detroit Lions RB Dwayne Washington made Stevan Ridley expendable

Kyle Meinke@kmeinke 19h19 hours ago
Dwayne Washington is fast. Really fast. So fast, it's easy to forget he's big.  Really big: http://bit.ly/2bSAMjt
Quoting from the Meinke article above...

Dwayne Washington has 4.4 speed. That's fast.

The Detroit Lions rookie clocked a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, which would have been eighth fastest among the running backs if he were invited to the combine. And he looked every bit of it a couple weeks ago when he outran the Steelers 96 yards for a touchdown on kick return.

He's fast.  So fast, in fact, that it's easy to forget he's big.

Washington is listed at 6-foot-1, and says he weighs almost 230 pounds. That's bigger than Zach Zenner (5-11, 221 pounds) and George Winn (5-11, 215 pounds), the other candidates for Detroit's power rushing chores.

And neither of those guys is fast. Not like Washington.
For the record:

Zenner's Combine (per DraftScout): 5'11"  223lbs; 4.60 40; 41" Vertical; 121" Broad; 4.14 Short Shuttle; 7.08 3-Cone
Washington's Pro-Day (per DraftScout): 6'1" 223lbs; 4.48 40; 37.5" Vertical; 127" Broad; 4.22 Short Shuttle; 6.85 3-Cone

Sig's response:

Jeff Risdon@JeffRisdon Aug 25 Holland, MI 
I'll help all the fantasy football scribes: Dwayne Washington will get more carries for DET than Zach Zenner.


 
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With that backfield, definitely seems worth a late-round flier. And even if he doesn't turn into anything, you could always try to fool a guppy owner who has him confused with DeAndre Washington #sharkmove

 
Just drafted him in my rookie draft.  Mid 3rd RD pick for a $1 salary.  Never Evenstad of him before today when my 3rd RD pick was up.  Waldman seems to be really high on his potential.  He's kind of like a jerrick McKinnon.   

Crazier things have happened than a freak athlete having success in the NFL.  He's just a little more of a project.  

Perfect late RD dynasty stash

 
preseason game 4 - 7-68-1 with a 58 yd  run.  hhhmmmmmm....

 
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Will be interesting to see who the Lions KR will be this year. Probably TJ Jones or Washington, but AA actually broke Mel Gray's club record last year (averaged better than 29.) A lot of people think if he's getting 15 carries a game he shouldn't be the KR.

ZZ should see some RZ opportunities, but there's no indication that is his domain exclusively. I don't think anyone has a good sense what if any role Washington will have. AA between the 20s seems likely. 

While I'm not sure what anyone's role will be in the Detroit backfield, I do know Theo will catch a pass on the first play of every two minute drill, and he'll make the first guy miss. Same call, same dead leg move, works every single time.

 
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While I don't expect Riddick to lead the team in rushing attempts, I do expect he will play the most snaps of all the RB as he did last season and possible that play time increases from the 43% he had last season.

Washington is certainly interesting as a possible 3rd RB to mix in though. I was working from the assumption of more of a 45/45/10 split between TR/AA/ZZ but I could see Washington possibly getting more time than Zenner would have. Maybe 45/35/20 TR/AA/DW or something like that?

 
While I don't expect Riddick to lead the team in rushing attempts, I do expect he will play the most snaps of all the RB as he did last season and possible that play time increases from the 43% he had last season.

Washington is certainly interesting as a possible 3rd RB to mix in though. I was working from the assumption of more of a 45/45/10 split between TR/AA/ZZ but I could see Washington possibly getting more time than Zenner would have. Maybe 45/35/20 TR/AA/DW or something like that?
I think the issue is he doesn't play like you might expect a 226 pound back. He's got some juice getting to the edge, no doubt - think he had runs of 68 or more every year in college and we've seen his long speed a few times this summer. But he doesn't take those short little steps and pick a hole to burst through - tends to be a long strider who will run up the backs of his lineman in between the tackles.

Zenner has the best skill set for short yardage & close in RZ. Theo is GREAT pass catcher but it's painful watching him run behind a below average line. AA is still their best option running the ball on first & second down.

Muddled RBBC for the time being. 

 
Do you think Washington will be used more than Zenner would be though?

How has Washington looked in pass protection? Could he be in on some passing downs?

Is Washington a better receiving option than Ameer?

 
Do you think Washington will be used more than Zenner would be though?

How has Washington looked in pass protection? Could he be in on some passing downs?

Is Washington a better receiving option than Ameer?
IMO, no. Just an internet guy, no weight to that opinion.

Before he got hurt last year, he was the pass pro specialist & 3rd down back for the Huskies. I don't recall anyone raving about that aspect this summer.

Maybe? He's a former WR, as was Riddick. Before PS the beat writers observed him dropping passes & he fumbled at least once. Of course that was limited observation as they don't get to stay for the whole practice.

He fumbled 10 times in 227 college carries. Lost his starting job to a freshman, hurt, 7th rounder. Great athlete with good measurable, but it takes more than a couple big plays to make the team from that slot. Caldwell said he's shown as much improvement as anyone since the start of camp.

Breaking up the wedge on KR and PR gunner are his roles until someone gets nicked up. I don't think he has a role on offense ATM, but that could change.

 
Rotoworld's Take:

Lions rookie RB Dwayne Washington rushed seven times for 68 yards and a touchdown and missed his lone target in Detroit's preseason finale.

He wraps the preseason with an 18-104-1 rushing line (5.8 YPC), one catch for 15 yards, and a kickoff return touchdown. Perhaps most notably, Washington played ahead of presumed short-yardage back Zach Zenner in Thursday night's game. Due to his special teams value, Washington has likely made the 53.
 
The thing I find most intriguing is that Washington is getting hyped by a lot of people who know what they're seeing (I'll be the first to admit I'm not a scout or former professional player).  Waldman loves the guy... on the couch with Sigmund Bloom last week he said Dwayne Washington is every bit the talent specimen that Bryce Brown was, only Washington has work ethic and seems to be picking up the pro game (evidenced by not screwing things up this preseason).  Waldman also mentioned that Chad Spann, former pro back who now works as a consultant with RBs on understanding the finer parts of the game, reading blocking schemes, understanding the offense from a big picture perspective, etc., said that Washington had starter-caliber talent for this league... he just needed a little refinement. 
 
Finally, Chris Spielman, former inside LB who's now the color commentator on Detroit's broadcasts, has been gushing over Washington.  Add to all of that what the coaches are saying and it's a steady drum beat.  It may not happen this year... or Washington could play ahead of Zenner and reprise the old Joique Bell role right away.  He played ahead of Zenner last night, per RW's blurb.  Time will tell...
 
Washington could play ahead of Zenner and reprise the old Joique Bell role right away.  He played ahead of Zenner last night, per RW's blurb.  Time will tell...
Between the tackles isn't really Washington's strength, though.

 
Between the tackles isn't really Washington's strength, though.
I'm not saying this is going to happen, but folks said the same exact thing about David Johnson last year.  No one worries about it now.

Sparq freaks with the size to run inside sometimes just need to be coached.  He hadn't played RB before a couple years ago...

 
Took him at 5.12 in a rookie draft last week (16 teamer) and really excited about his potential...doesn't seem like many people are talking about him, even in deep dynasty

 
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So, he made the final 53.  It's him, Zenner, Abdullah, and riddick 

how do they keep this kid on the bench?  Even the coaches acknowledged openly that he does some pretty special things when they put the ball in his hands.  

I see his presence hurting Zenner RT off the bat.  And if Abdullah looks like he did last year, I see Washington taking over by mid season.  This kid has DArk horse fantasy potential to be a top10 Rb out of nowhere.  

 
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Zenner not in the lineup and Washington is. He just got his first 2 NFL carries at the goal line and probably punched the first one in (they didn't review) and then punched the second one in easily. He may not be a between the tackles guy as a few here have said, but somebody forgot to tell the team that's watching him in practice every day. They appear to have anointed him just that. 

 
Milkman said:
3 down back?
I think the jury is still out on this. He's shown the obvious speed that got him drafted but he just won't get the reps to evaluate further with Abdullah and Riddick (both very effective today) taking the Lion's share (Pun intended).

 
I think the jury is still out on this. He's shown the obvious speed that got him drafted but he just won't get the reps to evaluate further with Abdullah and Riddick (both very effective today) taking the Lion's share (Pun intended).
Yeah I agree but what happens if AA starts fumbling? He's more of a flyer in deeper leagues and he might not be relevant until late in the season or next year........ 

 
Yeah I agree but what happens if AA starts fumbling? He's more of a flyer in deeper leagues and he might not be relevant until late in the season or next year........ 
Washington is a known fumbler as well. That's why it's a bit shocking he got GL duties in the rookie's first NFL game and game one of Caldwell's make or break season. It's either a ton of confidence or stupidity at it's finest. I lean towards the latter.

 
Riddick looked solid against the Colts. Washington has looked good, just not sure if he has showed enough yet to supplant either of Abdullah and Riddick. That noted Washington a converted wide receiver to running back certainly gives the Lions offense some depth for pass-catching running backs should anything happen to Riddick. 

 
But that's something they have a lot of right? Both AA and Riddick are excellent pass catching backs.  Where does Washington break in? 

 
I don't see Abdullah getting passed anytime soon, in fact Abdullah is on the rise IMO. If this kid is good it will have ot be on the next team he plays on. If you can nail down an NFL roster spot even if it's the RB3, you're doing something right. Since i don't know much about him I won't post for long on this situation but in redraft the idea this guy will have a big impact in 2016 is a pipe dream I'm afraid. 

Not sure what everyone is watching in Abdullah but he has a lot of talent, as much as some of these others you all pimp that aren't even playing. Deal with players who get meaningful touches, odds are they have done something in camp to earn the respect and trust of their coaches...I'm just saying. 

 
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I don't see Abdullah getting passed anytime soon, in fact Abdullah is on the rise IMO. If this kid is good it will have ot be on the next team he plays on. If you can nail down an NFL roster spot even if it's the RB3, you're doing something right. Since i don't know much about him I won't post for long on this situation but in redraft the idea this guy will have a big impact in 2016 is a pipe dream I'm afraid. 

Not sure what everyone is watching in Abdullah but he has a lot of talent, as much as some of these others you all pimp that aren't even playing. Deal with players who get meaningful touches, odds are they have done something in camp to earn the respect and trust of their coaches...I'm just saying. 
He's a more patient runner this year. He's gone from exploding out of the blocks and running up the backs of his lineman to taking a bunch of small steps while looking for the lane, then bursting through when he finds a crease (or cutting it back when it's not there.) Completely different from what we saw year one.

Not a workhorse and he has limited upside as a RZ back, but he's looked really sharp.

Theo is just way better than people realize. Some have come around him but there's still a lot of groaning about why does he keep getting touches. They made him the 13th highest paid RB in the league for a reason. He's an excellent pass catching RB, as good as anyone in the league.

There's no role for Washington other then short yardage and GL if everyone stays healthy.

 
I want to preface this by saying the Colts did not look very good on defense.

Riddick looked excellent on his long run, he wove his way through the defense showing an excellent combination of vision, agility and quickness to navigate the defense and use his blockers to best advantage. Still very efficient as a receiver as well. He missed some time during the game with a minor injury that he later returned from. During that time Ameer showed he can be very good as well. Ameer seems like the more powerful of the two RB and also very slippery. They seem close in overall talent but RIddick seems more experienced perhaps, playing a bit better than Ameer did in the short time frame of seeing them both play against the same defense in my opinion but no real fall off or difference when Ameer was in there.

Detroit RB week 1

A.Abdullah 40 snaps (62%) 12 rushing attempts 63 yards 5.3 ypc 1TD 5 targets 5 receptions 63 yards 12.6 ypc 1TD
T.Riddick 24 snaps (37%) 7 rushing attempts 45 yards 6.4 ypc 5 targets 5 reception 57 yards 11.4 ypc 1TD
D. Washington 2 snaps 3% (17 special teams) 2 rushing attempts 1 yard 1TD 

I think the split between Ameer and Riddick would have been more even if Riddick hadn't left the game for awhile.

 
This big mofo had a long run tonight.  He's electric.  Every time he touches the ball it seems like he makes big things happen.  He's going to be a starter in this league for a long time.

 
How many touches do we think he gets if Abdullah is out next week?

I'm stuck starting Jennings and Forsett in 2 separate leagues during Bell's suspension.  I'm looking to replace them with a warm body.

 
How many touches do we think he gets if Abdullah is out next week?

I'm stuck starting Jennings and Forsett in 2 separate leagues during Bell's suspension.  I'm looking to replace them with a warm body.
I think if either Abdullah or Riddick misses any time, he immediately will approach a 50/50 split.  I have to assume that he can block and stuff like that, which I don't know.  But based on how good he looks - fast, big, strong - I think they're going to have to use him quite a bit.  His first career regular season carry was a goal line carry, and I anticipate he'll be used all year in that capacity.  But with his 95 yard kick off return, and 65 yard TD reception in the preseason, plus an approximate 25 yard carry today, he just seems to be a weapon with the ball.

 
7th round pick that came into camp late -- there's probably some warts in there somewhere too.  But when they give him the ball, lookout.

 
Assuming Abdullah is down for a week or two, Washington should get some RUN.  Can't wait to see what this kid can do with 10-12 touches!  This may be one of those "can't put the genie back in the bottle" scenarios a la David Johnson if things break right for him next week.

All aboard the Washington hype train!

 

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