Former OSU defensive lineman Adolphus Washington (92) pressures Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock on Nov. 28. Credit: Samantha Hollingshead | Photo Editor
Former Ohio State defensive lineman Adolphus Washington has been selected by the Buffalo Bills at No. 80 overall in the 2016 NFL draft.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pound behemoth becomes OSU’s fifth defensive player and eighth overall player picked so far this weekend. Washington was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2015.
The Cincinnati native missed out on his opportunity to showcase his ability against other NFL prospects in Notre Dame offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (selected sixth overall) and Nick Martin (selected 50th overall) in the Fiesta Bowl. On Dec. 11, OSU coach Urban Meyer announced Washington would not play in the Fiesta Bowl due to being charged for solicitation, effectively ending his college career.
Washington, however, still received his chance to demonstrate his skill set to pro scouts in the 2016 Senior Bowl. From hours spent scouting the former Buckeye, ultimately, the Bills were the ones to select Washington.
In two seasons as a starter, the interior lineman became known for penetrating the line of scrimmage and plugging holes for opposing running backs. He collected 17.5 tackles for loss and eight and a half sacks combined in ‘14 and ‘15. Washington often was overshadowed by now-San Diego Charger Joey Bosa, but all things considered, opposing teams understood Washington’s rare mixture of athleticism and size required attention.
One of his significant critiques was not staying down in his stance, and Washington will have to increase his leg strength in order to nab a starting position with the Bills.
Washington is set to begin his career on Sept. 11 when the Bills travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens at 1 p.m.
