Illinois Football Wide Receiver In Line For Starting Snaps as Rookie

Originally posted on Armchair Illini
By Kirkland Chappell | Last updated 5/9/24

Illinois Football Wide Receiver In Line For Starting Snaps as Rookie

Former Illinois Football wide receiver and recent 6th-round draft pick Casey Washington is receiving high praise from NFL Draft experts. On Wednesday, NFL.com released an article by Chad Reuter detailing some potential day-3 selected players, who may have some surprises for the NFL. Reuter details a list of 15 late-round draft picks, whom he believes have the potential to find their way into starting roles as rookies. Listed in order from most likely, to least likely. Favorably, Casey found himself in the top half of Chad’s list, at the number 7 spot.

What NFL Draft Experts Are Saying

Via NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) expert Chad Reuter (@chad_reuter)

Drafted: Round 6, 187th overall

“I don’t expect a Puka Nacua-like record-breaking rookie season from Washington as a Day 3 pick, but I expect him to produce for Kirk Cousins. Like Nacua, Washington is a tough, reliable pass catcher on short and intermediate routes (with slightly better speed than Nacua). Veteran offseason acquisitions Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore could start to see their roles reduced if Washington and Cousins make a strong connection.”

15 rookies picked on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft who could be in line for starter snaps in Year 1. (via @chad_reuter)https://t.co/pZi9ScEHGq pic.twitter.com/7ctvFI4uuQ

— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) May 8, 2024

The Catch That Made Casey A Hero at Illinois

Via Alex Kyi – Casey Washington has had the quite the Illini career. He had the game winning touchdown in the 9OT game against Penn State. This was a couple months after he transferred to Wake Forest and decided to come back to Illinois. He then had a rather quiet 2022-2023 season behind Isaiah Williams, Pat Bryant and Brian Hightower. However, Casey Washington saved the day with an incredible catch on 4th and four. Additionally, Luke Altmyer had just as impressive a throw. Altmyer had defensive linemen directly in his face breathing down his throat as he delivered a spot-on ball to Washington. This allowed the Illini to grab a new set of downs, and also allowed them to establish field goal range.