Decker DeGraaf Is Becoming the Complete Tight End Washington's Offense Desperately Needs

Decker DeGraaf caught a 33-yard touchdown pass on his first snap as a freshman. Now, heading into his junior season, the Washington tight end is laser-focused on proving he's not just a playmaker in the passing game, but a force in the trenches too. And he's already put in the work to show it.

The 6-foot-4 pass-catcher finished third on the team in receptions last season with 32 catches as a sophomore. But DeGraaf knows what separates good tight ends from great ones, and it's what happens away from the ball. Since the season ended, he's added four pounds to his frame, pushing from 245 to 249, and strengthened his entire body. "I've been working on run blocking, pass blocking, the whole game," DeGraaf said. "I am just trying to be a well-developed tight end."

Filling a Massive Void

The Huskies lost Quentin Moore to graduation, and Moore was a elite blocking tight end with NFL potential. That's a huge gap to fill. DeGraaf and a group of inexperienced tight ends behind him now have to make up that production, which is no small task. "That's going to be a tough replacement," tight ends coach Jordan Paopao said after spring practice. "I don't think that you're going to replace him immediately."

But Paopao isn't panicking. He's seen real growth from his tight end room this spring. He specifically highlighted Charlie Crowell, a third-year sophomore, and Baron Naone, a second-year sophomore, as guys making real strides. "Charlie's healthy and getting great reps, and I think he has done a fantastic job," Paopao said. "Baron is really starting to come into his own. He has made incredible leaps and bounds."

DeGraaf's Leadership Changing the Culture

With 18 starts in 26 games over two seasons, DeGraaf has become the veteran in this room. And he's using that experience to lift up the younger guys. Paopao credits him with a shift in mindset. "I think he's done a great job of mentoring the young guys," the coach said. "It's, 'How much can I help the younger dudes and bring them along?' Teaching is one of the most important things in terms of mastery of knowledge, and he's done a really nice job."

Naone, who gained 18 pounds this offseason (245 to 263) and says he's gotten faster, is absorbing everything he can from the veterans. He studied Moore's footwork and core strength, trying to replicate that blocking consistency. Now, he's hungry to carve out his own role.

DeGraaf enters next season with confidence. "I definitely have a lot to grow on, but having played 26 games going into my junior year is a great place to be," he said. "I feel like I've played a lot of football, and it's starting to show. I'm playing with a lot of confidence."

For Paopao, the next step for DeGraaf goes beyond individual performance. It's about ownership of the entire offense, understanding defenses pre-snap, and communicating to elevate everyone around him. That's what makes a tight end truly complete.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.