Mississippi State defensive back Hunter Washington could potentially be heading to the NFL Draft — and his departure would mark the end of a physical, high-energy presence in the Bulldogs’ secondary. After transitioning from cornerback to safety, Washington became one of the most consistent and reliable defenders on the roster. Now he turns his attention to the professional stage, where his skill set and versatility project cleanly into several NFL systems.

A Steady Force in the Bulldogs’ Secondary

Washington’s career at Mississippi State was defined by development, toughness, and adaptability. His move from corner to safety unlocked his best traits — particularly his ability to diagnose plays, support the run, and tackle in space.

2024 Breakout Season

In 2024, Washington emerged as a full-time starter and delivered the most complete campaign of his college career:

• 55 tackles
• 1.5 tackles for loss
• 1 interception
• 1 forced fumble & 1 fumble recovery

His stat line reflects what showed up repeatedly on film: a strong downhill defender who reads plays quickly and arrives with authority. Coaches leaned on him heavily in the box, trusting him to clean up run fits, handle tight ends underneath, and serve as a stabilizing presence for a young secondary.

Career Snapshot

Across his Mississippi State career, Washington recorded:

• 64 total tackles
• 2 pass breakups
• 2 fumble recoveries
• 1 forced fumble

He followed that by adding another productive stretch through the 2025 campaign, logging roughly 30–40 more tackles while serving as one of the Bulldogs’ most experienced defensive voices.

Washington may not have the gaudy takeaway numbers of some draft prospects, but his impact was steady and evident: fewer explosive runs, cleaner second-level tackling, and a more flexible defensive structure thanks to his ability to play both safety and slot.

Strengths, Weaknesses & Draft Projection

Strengths

• Excellent tackling technique — Washington is one of the most secure tacklers in the SEC at his position.

• Slot/box versatility — can function as a strong safety, nickel defender, or hybrid DB in sub packages.

• High football IQ — his background at corner gives him valuable experience in route recognition.

• Special teams ready — his build and physicality project well to early NFL special teams contributions.

Weaknesses

• Average long speed — timed and projected 40-yard dash numbers in the mid-4.5s limit his true center-field range.

• Slightly undersized for a pure box safety — at about 5’11” and 195–200 lbs., he’ll be asked to add functional strength to take on NFL tight ends consistently.

• Not a turnover machine — solid in coverage but not a high-ball-production defensive back.

Projected Role in the NFL

Washington profiles as a core special teams player and rotational box/slot safety in Year 1, with the chance to grow into a starter in multi-safety packages if he sharpens his agility and coverage consistency.

NFL Player Comparison: Jordan Poyer

The most accurate comparison for Hunter Washington is Jordan Poyer, a similarly sized, instinctive, tough defensive back who built his career on versatility and physical play rather than elite measurables.

Similarities include:

• Size and athletic profile
• Willingness to play downhill
• Experience covering the slot or tight ends
• Dependability over splashiness

Like Poyer, Washington projects as a do-it-all safety who fits beautifully into modern defenses that ask safeties to rotate between box, slot, and split-field responsibilities.

(Secondary comparison: Adrian Amos, if you prefer a slightly more downhill-oriented comp.)

Top Five NFL Team Fits for Hunter Washington

1. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo values smart, physical safeties who can play multiple roles — a perfect match for Washington. With turnover and aging in their secondary, he fits seamlessly into their developmental pipeline.

2. New England Patriots

The Patriots love hybrid DBs who understand coverage and can tackle. Washington’s intelligence and versatility match the exact type of defender they routinely draft and maximize.

3. Minnesota Vikings

With Harrison Smith approaching the end of his career, Minnesota will be hunting for plug-and-play depth at safety. Washington’s skill set gives them immediate special teams help and long-term rotational upside.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh prioritizes physicality in its defensive backs. Washington’s downhill presence and toughness fit their identity, and he could carve out early snaps in sub packages.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles continue to rework their secondary and consistently value safeties who can play in the slot. Washington’s versatility gives them cheap, dependable depth with the ability to grow into larger responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

Hunter Washington may not enter the NFL Draft as a household name, but he absolutely fits the mold of a modern defensive back who can build a long NFL career:

• Tough
• Smart
• Versatile
• Reliable
• Pro-ready in special teams and sub-packages

With strong college production, steady year-over-year improvement, and a clean projection to multiple NFL schemes, Washington is a classic “safe floor, quiet upside” prospect — the kind teams love in the middle rounds.