Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Devin Culp in seventh round of 2024 NFL Draft
Fresh off an appearance in the national championship game, the development of the Washington program has been shown at the 2024 NFL Draft. Plenty of Huskies have come off the board and tight end Devin Culp is the latest. Culp was selected in the seventh- round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Culp was a six-year player for Washington, being redshirted in 2018 and then taking advantage of the COVID-19 eligibility rules. He played in 42 games throughout his career, including all 15 of last season’s memorable run.
Washington had so much receiving talent surrounding Michael Penix Jr. but Culp still made an impact when called upon. His season totals finished with 16 receptions for 208 yards and a career-high two touchdowns. Averaging 13.0 yards per reception was the top mark in Culp’s career as well.
However, Culp’s best year from a reception and yardage standpoint came in 2022. He wound up with 266 yards on 29 catches, adding a touchdown too.
Culp played high school football at Spokane (WA) Gonzaga Preparatory School, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 457 overall recruit in the 2018 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Devin Culp
NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein gave his analysis of Culp heading into the draft process but did not give the most glaring review. Part of being a tight end is blocking well and Zierlein does not see the best performance when watching tape.
However, Zierlein does believe there is some entertainment value when watching Culp run routes, potentially pulling off some incredible grabs. Upping the consistency is a must though if Culp wants to establish himself in the league.
“Culp’s tape features below-average blocking combined with bad drops and unbelievably acrobatic grabs,” Zierlein said. “He doesn’t have the size or aggression to help much as a run blocker and will project as an F tight end. He has decent vertical speed but spent much of his time running routes underneath due to the receiving talent around him.
“Fastballs get on top of his hands and turn into drops, but he’s able to flash with circus grabs and contested catches downfield. Culp has played a decent amount of football, so teams will need to determine whether they can project enough improvement to make him a pro.”