Seven University of Washington Huskies are invited to the NFL Combine. Of those players, six (defensive players) project to come off the board in the first two days by NFL.com’s Chad Reuter
The University of Washington had a good season in 2016. The PAC-12 standout made it to the national stage, competing in the NCAA playoffs in a loss to Alabama 24-7.
That rise to the national spotlight was both a blessing and a bane for the Huskies. It’s a blessing in terms that the outcome rewards the hard work and dedication of team coaches and players alike. But with the spotlight comes other factors. NFL eligible players understandably want to maximize their NFL potential.
Who Dat Dish
Seven such players have chosen a path to the NFL this year. That list includes three defensive backs: safety Budda Baker, and cornerback Sidney Jones as well as cornerback Kevin King. The defense also boasts outside linebacker Joe Mathis and defensive tackle Elijah Qualls. Rounding out the sever are offensive players tight end Darrell Daniels and wide receiver John Ross III. These seven will represent the University of Washington at the 2017 NFL Combine this year.
Losing that number of players, and specifically six from the defense, is tough to absorb in one season for the Washington Huskies. The loss of so many brilliant contributors led to the University of Washington as the number one football program hurt by the 2017 NFL Draft.
Two Sides to Same Coin
But the flip side is that the University of Washington will be well represented in the NFL Draft this season. In fact, there is quite a buzz occurring about the upside of Huskies football stars. Even Mike Mayock, NFL.com’s most trusted prognosticator, has three UW players in his top lists in the draft this year.
Chad Reuter 3 Round Mock
In his three round mock, Reuter projects the Huskies will have six players taken in the first two days of the 2017 NFL Draft. He projects cornerback Sidney Jones will be selected by the Baltimore Ravens at 16 and wide receiver John Ross III will come off the board three spots later at 19 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in round one.
He slots safety Budda Baker as the first player coming off the board in the second round, at 33 over to the Cleveland Browns.
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But he has Huskies flying off the board in round three of the 2017 NFL Draft. First off is outside linebacker Joe Mathis to the Washington Redskins at the 81st overall pick. Next off is cornerback Kevin King to the Tenessee Titans at the 83rd overall pick. Finally, Reuter projects nose tackle Elijah Qualls to join teammate Ross on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the 84th player selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Next: Joe Mathis Already Climbing Treacherous NFL Combine
The NFL Combine this week will help focus on their draft stock. But there is no denying the fact that the University of Washington are well represented in the NFL Draft and NFL Combine this year.