Summary

Broderick Washington Jr. was selected in Round 5 (#170 Overall) in the 2020 Draft out of Texas Tech University. Washington is a stout, physical defensive lineman with a background of versatility along the interior and edge. At roughly 6′2″ and around 305–315 lbs, he brings a strong bull-rush presence, heavy hands and a nose for the ball. At Texas Tech, he lined up in multiple spots (including five-technique and three-technique) and made his bones as a run-stopping force and disrupting presence. The projection for him entering the league was as a rotational defender who could develop into a starter in an attacking front, particularly in gap-schemes or fronts leveraging his power. But while his strengths are real, his athleticism, change-of-direction, and consistent pass-rush arsenal were seen as developmental.

Strengths

• Powerful base and bull-rush ability: Washington over-powers blockers with massive strength at the point of attack; is strong enough to hold gaps. Bleacher Report

• Versatility in alignment: He lined up head-up and off-tackle, played 3-technique and 5-technique, and his college tape showed multiple fronts. Baltimore Ravens

• Strong run-game instincts and hand usage: Shows good quickness and really heavy hands with a nose for the ball which helps him locate plays and pursue.

• Durable starter and competitive: A three-year starter, team captain at Texas Tech, showing readiness and accountability. Bleacher Report

• Schematically useful in attacking fronts: His skill-set fits well in aggressive defensive designs where he can shoot gaps, bend around, and make an impact without needing pristine lateral agility. Bleacher Report

Weaknesses

• Limited change-of-direction and athletic flexibility: Has poor change-of-direction skills in space and lacks a second gear to recover or reset in a pass-rush plan. Bleacher Report

• Questionable fit as an elite edge rusher: Question of positional value given his lack of athleticism to play outside the tackle and lack of strength or length to play head-up. Bleacher Report

• Pass-rush production and moves still developing: His sack numbers in college were modest and evaluators felt he lacked a refined arsenal of counters and rush moves for the next level. Bleacher Report

• Recovering blocks and sustaining vs double-teams: Doesn’t handle the double team the way his power should and lacks consistent block-shed technique when engaged.

• Scheme-dependency/ceiling limitations: His best role is likely in a gap-attack or heavy front rather than a space-oriented, bend-and-dash role; thus his upside is somewhat limited compared to more athletic defenders. Bleacher Report

Fit & Outlook

Broderick Washington fits best in a defense that emphasizes physicality on the interior or at the 5-technique/edge spot in a heavy front — think 3-4 or five-man fronts where he can leverage his bull-rush strength, play with a low center of gravity, and work in tight quarters rather than wide-edge-alignments requiring elite mirror or long-speed traits. A scheme that rotates its bigs, uses stunts and gap-attacks, and tolerates a less edge-dynamic profile will unlock his best value. In terms of outlook, Washington’s floor is that of a solid rotational interior defender who can contribute on early downs, tackle well, hold the point of attack, and embed himself as a trusted piece on a defensive front. With refinement in his hand technique, pass-rush arsenal, and sustained double-team handling, his ceiling is that of a multi-down starter who can anchor a strong run-stopping unit and occasionally collapse the pocket. The main risk lies in whether the schemes he plays in align with his strengths and whether he can bridge the gap in pass-rush refinement and lateral agility. If he remains in favorable schemes and continues to evolve his game, he could become a dependable interior force. If not, he may remain a situational or rotational piece rather than a full-time star.