Penn State receiver Parker Washington discusses decision to enter NFL Draft
Penn State receiver Parker Washington missed the end of his final regular season in State College and the Rose Bowl due to injury. Now, he has opened up about his decision to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft instead of returning to the Lions for another season.
Washington traveled with the Lions to California. He was seen on a scooter with his left foot in a boot. The exact nature of the setback has not yet been disclosed. But, regardless of what it is, his the Penn State chapter of his Lions career is closed and the professional football one is about to begin.
“I would just say, it’s a big decision, of course,” Washington said in the Rose Bowl Stadium locker room following the Lions’ 35-21 with over Utah.
“I’m still excited about the Rose Bowl. but you know, it’s just is a big decision. It comes a time in your life when you have to make a big decision. I’m excited. And, I’m really just ready to get that process going.”
It’s unclear when Washington will be able to get back on the field to prepare for the draft. He is Pro Football Focus‘ No. 56 player on its overall top 100 available players list. Walter Football, meanwhile, calls him the 17th best receiver available. It writes that Washington “flashed some ability, but he faces limitations for the NFL.”
In 2022, the receiver caught 46 passes for 611 yards and two touchdowns in 2022. Washington hauled in 146 passes for 1,920 yards and 12 touchdowns total over three seasons.
Penn State receiver coach Taylor Stubblefield discusses Washington’s pro outlook
Shortly before Washington was ruled out for the year, his receivers coach, Taylor Stubblefield, shared what kind of pro he thinks his former pupil could be.
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“At the next level, you have to be able to run. You have to be able to get open and you have to be able to catch the ball,” Stubblefield said.
“Those are some of the things that he does extremely well. Sometimes with guys his size you have to be elite, and his hands are absolutely elite. So if given that opportunity to play at the next level, I have full confidence that Parker will be a huge asset to any NFL team.”
It is not clear if Washington’s injury will allow him to compete at either the NFL Combine or the Lions’ March Pro Day. Those announcements will be announced in the future.
As for Penn State, is loses its top two receivers from 2022 with Washington and Mitchell Tinsley moving on. It does return KeAndre Lambert-Smith, among others.
