ESPN Analysis: Strengths: Is a well-built back with a great center of gravity. Runs low to the ground and with very good pad-level. He has a strong lower body and will keep his legs driving. A slashing back that hits the hole hard and shows good burst through it. He has above average speed and shows a second-gear to run away from defenders. He runs a lot harder than his 5-9 frame might indicate. He's quick and agile. Shows very good COD skills and will consistently hit the cutback lane without losing much in transition. He explosives through the hole and runs with great toughness. He protects his body well and makes it very difficult for defenders to get a clean shot. He is a smooth route runner with a good feel for the passing game. His hands are reliable and he shows the ability to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. He can pluck on the run and is a threat after the catch. He also is an aware and technically sound blocker. Shows good leverage, initial pop and toughness in pass pro. Team leader and terrific competitor. Weaknesses: Durability is a major concern. He has never carried a full load. Has had trouble staying healthy and shoulder injuries seem to be long term concern. He's undersized. Runs hard and is tough, but he's not a powerful runner. Won't push the pile or break a lot of head-on tackles in the NFL. Lacks ideal height and can be overmatched at times as a pass blocker. Has trouble sustaining some blocks and will whiff occasionally when he tries to cut the LB's legs out. He has above average speed but he's not an elite home-run threat. He's also not overly elusive and he won't make many defenders miss in space. Also, while he is powerful for his size, he lacks the ideal size of a fulltime load-carrying north-south runner.
Really good pick, kid can develop into a very good player down the line. Terrific speed, very good option for us on Offense. And, it means Smith to WR, where I think he's much more valuable.
That was the knock on Curtis coming out of Pitt and a reason NE didn't match the offer. I'm not saying he'll be Curtis but don't give up on him b/c of readig he's not durable.
Sophomore Year- dislocated right elbow 2004- Ankle surgery and right shoulder seperation Sr. year- ankle and hip injuries. Good RB pick.
I'd have prefered Andre Hall but I'm happy with this pick. Lets be honest, Martin is on the way out. Houston is not a speed back but we now add a speed back with Washington. This keeps getting better......
Green Hurricane, being a fan of the U, how much did you watch him vs. the Hurricanes? Who do you compare him to in the NFL?
Calm down, even if we take a RT now that doesn't mean he's going to start for a year or two. They are taking the best player on their board.
Awesome pick. The FO gets it. LEon Washington reminds me a lot of Domanic Davis. Now dont get me wrong he might not be Davis but a really really good pick.
Love it. I always liked him when I saw FSU play. Has terrific moves, speed, ability, but like GH said, he just never took it to the next level despite being solid. He says that he was out of form for part of last season because of some personal problems. This definately makes Brad Smith a WR, too.
Houston and Washington...... The summertime humidity capitals of the US. The new nickname for our RB tandem.... jk of course that would be horrible
Don't get so high on this kid yet boys. You got Houston in the 2nd day too. IMO, these are just depth guys who the FO might be hoping for the 1 in 1000 shot that they turn out to b diamonds. Don't count on it.
