Rookie Tahj Washington eager to establish himself with Dolphins

Seventh-round rookie Tahj Washington hoping to make an impact on offense and special teams

Seventh-round draft pick Tahj Washington averaged 90 receiving yards over his final five games with the USC Trojans but is preparing to help the Miami Dolphins however possible. He scored 12 receiving touchdowns over the last 25 games but was also a key piece on special teams.

“Special teams has always been a part of my game,” Washington said last week. “Coaches have had to beg me over the years to take maybe one off and things like that. Gunner on punt, corner on punt return, kickoff returner, off returner, a lot of history in special teams. I love to compete.

“Anytime I get the opportunity to be on the field, I want to be out there.”

Washington dominated his final college game with seven receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns against No. 16 Louisville in the Holiday Bowl. He averaged at least 20 yards per catch with a minimum of three receptions in five games last season.

“Just growing up playing running back mostly,” Washington said of his big-play potential. “I’m the youngest of a big family – well not anymore, but growing up, I was always the youngest and had to run away from a lot of folks. It just made me more physical and elusive, I would say.”

Miami is deep at wide receiver with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle headlining the unit. Washington faces an uphill battle as a seventh-round pick, but his ability to catch, block, and tackle boosts his chances of making the team.

“I was graded to go anywhere between the fourth and the seventh,” Washington said. “I’m very excited to have this opportunity to play in Miami. The seventh round is where I so happened to land, and I’m just grateful for the opportunity to play at the next level.”