Malik Washington plans to ‘be a sponge’ in Dolphins receivers room

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has one main goal for his rookie season: soak up the knowledge. And he’s in the perfect situation to do it.

With Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr. ahead of him on the depth chart, Washington has an opportunity to learn from some of the best.

“I’ve got three guys in front of me that know what they’re doing,” Washington said Friday during the Dolphins’ rookie minicamp. “They’ve done it before and they’ve had great success.” Being a sponge, taking all the information I can and trying to incorporate it into my game as well.”

Washington has already gotten a head start by talking to receivers who know the game. Before the draft, the sixth-round pick spoke with former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens receiver Steve Smith Sr. ., who analyzed his game on a podcast.

“I was talking to one of the greats – one of the guys I watched his film, I saw him play, he’s who I like to model my game after,” Washington said. “So taking some of those criticisms – catching that ball and staying straight vertical, knowing the rhythm and timing of the routes, I think that’s important. Especially when you get to this level where everyone is fast, everyone plays hard and everyone is fast.

After transferring from Northwest to Virginia, Washington emerged as a star receiver in 2023. He more than matched his career receiving yards and touchdowns, hauling in a national-leading 110 passes for 1,426 yards and nine receptions. touchdown during his fifth varsity season.

Washington said he made sure to catch everything, but that’s not even what he considers his best asset.

“It will be about who can be the best pro, who can learn the information as quickly as possible and use it on the pitch,” he said. “I think it will be to my advantage. I will do my best to do so. I’m going to study hard and incorporate this into the NFL game plan.

Washington said he wants to continue developing his own game, which means working closely with the offensive coaching staff and quarterback room. Either way, he’s confident in his ability to make defenders’ jobs harder for himself.

“I don’t think anyone can attack me,” Washington said. “I don’t want anyone to attack me. I don’t want to touch the grass. Every time I get the ball, I try to score.