Washington football: Huskies in the draft

Washington football has quite a few players that are available to be taken in the NFL Draft from Thursday, April 23rd- Saturday, April 25th

Washington football won’t have as many players picked in 2020 as they did in 2019, but they have a few players that’ll still go early in the draft. Quarterback Jacob Eason and tight end Hunter Bryant will probably be the first two players picked, and are projected by scouts to go anywhere between the second and fourth rounds.

It’s impossible to know who values Eason the highest, as he has first-round arm talent, but due to inconsistencies on his film, he could slip in the draft and not be considered a day one starter at the NFL level.

Bryant was named to the All Pac-12 First Team during his final year on campus, and was also an All-American honorable mention. Bryant struggled with injuries during his time on campus, suffering a knee injury late in his freshman year that also kept him out for the majority of his sophomore season. Bryant would be best utilized similarly to the New York Giants’ Evan Engram, in a role that uses him mainly as a receiver, but Bryant is a much better blocker.

Running back Salvon Ahmed also decided to leave early for the draft, after rushing for 1,020 yards with 11 touchdowns. Though he only caught 16 catches for 84 yards he showed that he should be able to do that in the NFL as well. He is projected to be drafted in either the 3rd or 4th round. For a running back it was a good idea he came out early since they take a lot of pounding and this could give him more time in the NFL.

The top senior likely to go in the draft is left tackle Trey Adams. Early on his Husky career, Adams looked like he was going to be a surefire first-round pick. He was named as a second-team All-American in 2016, before an ACL injury midway through the 2017 season.

After that, a bulging disc in his back caused him to miss 10 games of the 2018 season. While Adams was named to the All Pac-12 First Team in 2019, but due to limited mobility due to his slew of injuries, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him go late on day three, or even undrafted.

Senior center Nick Harris will probably end up being a day three pick. He’ll probably start his NFL career as a rotational piece or as a guard, just like he did with the Huskies before eventually moving to center. He’s a scheme specific player, which might impact his draft stock.

Jared Hilbers is another Husky offensive lineman who could be drafted. He played right tackle for the Huskies this last season. Hilbers is right on the fringe of getting drafted, but will probably be made a priority undrafted free agent by a team who’s looking for some depth along the offensive line.

Myles Bryant, who played safety during his senior year, will probably move back to nickelback at the NFL level. Bryant was originally a walk-on, who started every game from 2017-2019. Due to his size, he’ll probably be at best a day three pick, and with his excellent technique, he’ll definitely get a shot from an NFL team as a special teamer at the very least.

Aaron Fuller will probably be another late-round pick at best. He has a lot of good tape out there, and proved himself to be a reliable slot receiver, but his speed and size is a concern for most teams. He could catch on as an undrafted free agent, and will probably get a shot on a team’s practice squad.

Good luck to all the Huskies in this year’s draft, and we wish them nothing but the best at the next level!