Parker Washington, Penn State’s leading receiver despite missing the season’s final two games, will forgo his final two seasons of eligibility and enter the 2023 NFL Draft. Washington announced his decision Friday on social media.
“The memories I have made during my time so far with this Penn State family have been and will always be unforgettable,” Washington wrote.
Washington, who received all-Big Ten honorable mention, caught a team-high 46 passes for 611 yards during the regular season. He played a breakthrough game against Ohio State, setting career-highs in receptions (11) and yards (179). Washington finished his career with 146 receptions and 12 touchdowns.
Washington (5-10, 215 pounds) projects as a slot receiver in the NFL. According to the NFL Draft Bible, he is the 21st-ranked receiver in the class and projects as a sixth-round pick.
“When looking at Washington, he is going to be a prospect coaches are much higher on than scouts, as he is a really smart player with great hands but he lacks size and separation ability,” NFL Draft Bible writes in its scouting report of Washington .
However, the NFL Draft Bible notes that, while being a great college player, “Washington lacks the upside to be a difference-maker at the next level.” This is a sentiment Washington seeks to disprove.
Washington’s departure, along with that of sixth-year player Mitchell Tinsley, leaves Penn State looking to develop new players at the position next season. The Lions worked tirelessly to find a No. 3 receivers in 2022, rotating KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Harrison Wallace III, Omari Evans and Liam Clifford through the offense.
Penn State’s freshman class included four receivers, and the team plans to shift defensive back Cristian Driver to offense next season. Still, Penn State will be aggressive in the NCAA Transfer Portal, seeking to sign 1-2 receivers, including an immediate-impact player like Tinsley.
No. 11 Penn State (10-2) will play No. 8 Utah (10-3) in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2. ESPN will televise.
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