Adolphus Washington's Ohio State career endured a whirlwind throughout its duration. He came to Columbus via Cincinnati with lofty expectations as a five-star defensive end, lost his starting job to Joey Bosa in 2013 as he battled injuries then added weight and moved inside to tackle in Larry Johnson's scheme in the final two collegiate seasons.
Washington's Buckeye career came to a sudden stop in December, when Columbus police pinched him for solicitation. Urban Meyer suspended him for Ohio State's Fiesta Bowl date with Notre Dame, which meant his final on-field act as an Ohio State football player came in a quiet performance against Michigan Nov. 28.
Washington only recorded two assisted tackles and a pass breakup in that game, but finished his final season with 49 total takedowns, seven tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and a forced fumble to earn a trip to the Senior Bowl. Lest we forget when he picked off a screen pass against Western Michigan and returned it 20 yards for a score.
Washington's draft stock took a hit with his off-field issue and ugly performances both at the NFL Combine and at Ohio State Pro Day. He paid his debt to society and did his best to clear the air at the combine, but then struggled in drills.
He has the potential to be a solid interior defensive lineman, with great athleticism and hands. The draft pool of defensive tackles is very deep in this year's draft, however, so there is a good chance Washington falls to the later rounds.
Where could he land? Here are five potential spots.
Seattle Seahawks
Where They're Picking: First Round (26th overall), Second Round (56th overall), Third Round (90th overall, 97th overall), Fourth Round (124th overall), Fifth Round (171st overall), Sixth Round (215th overall), Seventh Round (225th overall, 247th overall)
Breakdown: Seattle lost Brandon Mebane to free agency and is set to wave goodbye to Jordan Hill after the 2016 season. It's defense as a whole is getting old, so that side of the ball should be an emphasis. With such a deep defensive tackle class, the Seahawks figure to be in the running for one and Washington is likely to be available in the later rounds. Seattle's pass rush made Peyton Manning's life miserable when it beat Denver three years ago in the Super Bowl. Washington was a solid pass rusher in college, so he can breathe a bit of youth into its defensive line.
Cincinnati Bengals
Where They're Picking: First Round (24th overall), Second Round (55th overall), Third Round (87th overall), Fourth Round (122nd overall), Fifth Round (161st overall), Sixth Round (199th overall), Seventh Round (245th overall)
Breakdown: Defensive tackle Domata Peko is entering the final year of his contract and the Bengals could look to replace him with youth following the season. Cincinnati is sure to take advantage of the long list of talent at defensive tackle in this year's draft, so grabbing Washington in the fourth or fifth round could be the move. Washington would be comfortable in Cincinnati considering that's where he grew up and he would add another capable defender to one of the league's top-10 defenses.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Where They're Picking: First Round (25th overall), Second Round (58th overall), Third Round (89th overall), Fourth Round (123rd overall), Sixth Round (220th overall, 229th overall, 246th overall)
Breakdown: Pittsburgh's defense needs a major facelift on all three levels, so the smart money is on it using one of its picks in the first four rounds on a defensive tackle. The Steelers pride themselves on having a nasty front seven that gets after the quarterback and defends well against the run, so adding Washington to a room that includes former Buckeye Cameron Hayward would be a nice piece of their future. The unit ranked highly in just about every defensive category last season, but lost some players in free agency and the others are growing old. If Washington can develop and show he is better than the numbers he put up at the combine and at Ohio State Pro Day, he might be a steal down the line.
Detroit Lions
Where They're Picking: First Round (16th overall), Second Round (46th overall), Third Round (95th overall), Fourth Round (111th overall), Fifth Round (151st overall, 169th overall), Sixth Round (191st overall, 202nd overall, 210th overall), Seventh Round (236th overall)
Breakdown: Detroit's defense is not necessarily in bad shape, but with 10 picks in the draft the franchise has a chance to take a major step forward provided it gets most of them right. The Lions will look to add some pieces on that side of the ball in the later rounds, so Washington could be a diamond in the rough of sorts provided he develops and puts in the work to be a serviceable player at the next level.
New Orleans Saints
Where They're Picking: First Round (12th overall), Second Round (47th overall), Third Round (78th overall), Fourth Round (112th overall), Fifth Round (152nd overall), Seventh Round (237th overall)
Breakdown: The Saints defense was statistically the worst in the league in 2015 with regards to yards allowed and percentage-wise against third downs. New Orleans also set a league record in touchdown passes allowed with 45. Its pass rush must improve (only 31 sacks) an area Washington or another defensive lineman can help with immediately. The Saints might address its needs in the front seven in the first and second rounds, but don't rule out them adding another tackle for depth even with the March signing of Nick Fairley. Washington could be their man.
Honorable Mentions: New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills
