The Miami Dolphins’ trade of Jaylen Waddle, along with the release of Tyreek Hill this offseason, put major question marks into the receiving corps.
Heading into the draft, it’s a group led by third-year pro Malik Washington, former Cowboy Jalen Tolbert and former speedster Tutu Atwell. None of the trio has ever topped the 615-yard mark in a season. Last year, they combined for 712 yards, with Washington leading the way with a career-high 317 yards.
Despite the situation, Washington, which is ranked No. 1 at this point, said Tuesday that he doesn’t see the situation as any different than any other year. The goal is always to improve, whether you’re at the top of the depth chart or the bottom.
“I don’t think we’re seeing it like we have to step up or take on a certain challenge. I think we’re seeing it like we just have to play our best football,” he said via the team’s official transcript. “That’s what we’re born to do. That’s what we’ve done all our lives is try to play our best football. So every guy in that room knows there’s a little bit of a chip on their shoulder. We all want to be the guy. We all want to hit the targets and play well on Sunday. So I think for us, it’s just coming to the same pressure every single day and we’ve had the same pressure every single day. play our best football.”
The Dolphins are looking for a receiver in this week’s draft. With seven picks in the top 100, including two first-rounders, and 11 overall, Miami should have several options to pass. The Dolphins have a lot of needs, so while receiver is an option at No. 11 or No. 3 overall, it’s not an obvious choice. Despite this draft’s lack of top talent, it’s possible that WR is by far the best player left when Miami is on the clock at pick 11.
Regardless of who the Dolphins potentially add in the draft, Washington and the rest of his room are simply looking to improve each day of the offseason program.
“I think there’s an intention with everything we do,” he said. “Especially for myself, like I try to bring that same intensity every single exercise, every single rep. I try to be at the front of the line. I try to be the leader in that room. I try to show my skills, I know my strengths, and I know what I can get better at. So I think it’s attacking every day just being apart at the top and meeting things as well as meeting things. bring my A-game every single day.”
Washington noted that he has practiced with quarterback Malik Willis this season and has been impressed with the new quarterback’s “zip” on passes and “command” in the huddle. Now Miami needs to come up with a nickname for its two important Malik Ws.
“As far as the nickname goes, I think we’re going to have to come up with something, but I think I’ll let you do that,” Washington told local media.