Summing up the NFL Draft for Washington football

Washington football had eight players picked in the NFL Draft, and four more signed as undrafted free agents

Washington football had a very successful NFL Draft weekend, which started with Kaleb McGary, the Atlanta Falcons traded up to get in the first round as the #31 pick overall. He played right tackle his whole at Washington, and while he has the size to play it at the NFL level, some scouts think he’ll kick inside to guard.

Redshirt sophomore cornerback Byron Murphy was projected as a first-round draft pick, however, he slid to the first pick of the second round (33rd overall) by the Arizona Cardinals. Not only does Murphy get to stay at home, but he’ll get to play with former Husky safeties Ezekiel Turner and Budda Baker.

Tight end Drew Sample, was picked by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round. Like Will Dissly, who was drafted last year by the Seattle Seahawks from Washington in the 4th round, he is known for his blocking ability. Sample also has underrated hands, and could be utilized by rookie head coach Zac Taylor in a number of ways.

Safety Taylor Rapp also slid in the draft due to his 40-yard dash time. He had been projected as a late first or early second rounder but went late in the second round to the Los Angeles Rams, where he’ll probably start at safety. He can also team up with former Husky Marcus Peters in the Rams’ secondary.

The next pick in the draft was defensive tackle Greg Gaines, who had to wait until the fourth round, but he’ll be paired up with Rapp on the Rams.

Ben Burr-Kirven linebacker was picked early in the fifth round by the Seattle Seahawks, so he won’t have to move very far. He’s projected as a backup and special teams player, but the Seahawks have an aging linebacker corps, so he could get an opportunity to start.

Senior cornerback Jordan Miller also got picked in the fifth round by the Atlanta Falcons, so he’ll be able to play with McGary and former Husky Desmond Trufant.

Finally, Myles Gaskin Washington’s all-time leading rusher was picked in the 7th round by the Miami Dolphins. His best chance right now would be to make the Dolphins as a special teams player. He could potentially start the year on the practice squad, but after losing Frank Gore, they could find a spot for him on the active roster.

Quarterback Jake Browning signed a record $140k contract with the Minnesota Vikings as a UDFA. Defensive tackles Jaylen Johnson and Shane Bowman signed with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively, and safety JoJo McIntosh signed with the Washington Redskins.