A'Mauri Washington — 2027 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Washington may not have the statistics (33 tackles, including 4.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2026) one normally associates with a first-round selection, but had he entered the 2026 draft, he would've joined defensive tackles Caleb Banks and Peter Woods as a top-32 pick. Football is a big-man's game, and Washington has rare quickness for such a massive man.

Washington moves and looks like a fairy tale monster at 330 pounds. He's more of a rising tide than a wrecking ball right now, but his build and athleticism will give him Day 1 hype.

Washington is a powerful, athletic defensive lineman who can collapse the pocket or blow up a run play when he fires off low and plays with leverage. He's at his best attacking gaps, where his burst, strength, and motor let him disrupt plays before they develop. When he's locked in, he looks like a true difference-maker who can overwhelm blockers with both quickness and power.

Washington joined Moore and Matayo Uiagalelei as Oregon players who turned down being Day 1 or early Day 2 draft picks this year to return to school. Washington is quick off the snap and capable of freezing the frame of interior blockers before moving quickly past them. His straight-line strength gives him the power to bull rush blockers into the laps of passers. His ability to collapse pockets would play well alongside Zach Allen in the Broncos' defense, and Denver could use more defensive tackles after losing John Franklin-Myers in free agency.

If he'd declared for the 2026 draft, Washington likely would have been a top-25 pick and had a chance to be the first interior defensive lineman selected. Another year of development in Eugene could get him in the top 15.

An active interior presence who emerged under Dan Lanning, Washington's first step and explosiveness at 330 pounds provide a strong foundation. A natural mover with positional versatility, he'll need to develop more consistency to solidify his status as a Day 1 pick.

The fourth Duck selected in the first round is the player who will face Laloulu in practice all season. Washington can play either 1-technique or 3-technique, and if he improves his finishing ability — a 22% career missed-tackle rate — he could be considered an early first-round pick. He also logged snaps at fullback last season.