Penn State wide receiver Parker Washington was overlooked through five-plus rounds of the NFL Draft, but he is considered one of the best 50/50 combatants coming out of college.
The Jacksonville Jaguars realized that and chose Washington in the sixth round (185th overall) Saturday.
With the 185th pick in the 2023 #NFLDraft, we select Penn State WR Parker Washington!@cpw_3 | @Dream_Finders pic.twitter.com/iRuiaLdBiz
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) April 29, 2023
Washington (5-foot-10, 212 pounds) played three seasons at Penn State, recording 146 catches for 1,920 yards and 12 touchdowns. He caught a pass in all 32 games of his career, and the 146 total ranks 10th all-time at Penn State. His 64 receptions in 2021 are sixth in PSU history.
He started making his mark at Penn State as a freshman in 2020 when he caught nine passes in a victory against Michigan, the most by a Nittany Lions freshman since DaeSean Hamilton in 2014. Earlier, against Maryland, Washington scored twice, becoming the first Penn State first-year freshman with two receiving touchdowns in a game since tight end Pat Freiermuth at Rutgers in 2018.
At the end of the season, he earned second-team Freshman All-America honors from The Athletic.
His reception and yardage totals dropped from 64/820 in 2021 to 46/611 last season when he was selected Pro Football Focus All-Big Ten second team and All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media.
Washington was used as a punt returner last season, but he totaled only 99 yards on 18 returns last season.
Lindy’s NFL Draft preview magazine described Washington, the pass catcher, as a “close-quarters brawler” with “strength at the catch point and value after the catch.”
Washington will join teammate Brenton Strange after the tight end was selected by the Jaguars in the second round.
Congratulations Parker! Run with this opportunity & continue to work hard. The @Jaguars are getting a steal with your football IQ & ability to make plays. I couldn’t be happier for you & your family! https://t.co/zt8aE9e07e pic.twitter.com/AGRAbuYUki
— James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) April 29, 2023
