Darnell Washington is the fifth tight end the Pittsburgh Steelers have drafted in the last six years, but the University of Georgia product is the biggest, with maybe the biggest potential.
Kevin C. Cox | Credit: Getty Images
With their third round pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Darnell Washington in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Listed as 6-foot-7, 264-pounds (on a light day), Washington was picked by the Steelers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft after three seasons with the Bulldogs and two national titles.
The goal for the Steelers is clear: give second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett a safety net, a big target in the middle of the field, but someone also capable of blocking. In fact, one scouting report suggested Washington might be better suited to offensive tackle during his NFL career.
Today’s NFL is about match-ups, finding them, and exploiting them. Washington gives the Steelers some delicious match-up options. What safety can match his size and what linebacker can run with him (Washington ran a 4.64 40 at the NFL Combine)?
What Do the Steelers Need?
The Steelers just missed out on the playoffs last year, but surged at the end as Pickett took over at quarterback and looked more comfortable each week. Pittsburgh won their last four games and six of their last seven to finish 9-8 and continue their streak of not having a losing season since 2003.
Despite this run, the early NFL odds on the Steelers are low. Caesars has the Steelers as the last choice in the AFC North, behind the Bengals, Ravens and Browns. We can understand the Bengals and Ravens, but the Browns? Come on.
AP
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson (left), is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers DT Cam Heyward during the first half of a game on January 8, 2023.
Washington can be the missing link to the Steelers offense, opening up the middle of the field the same way Travis Kelce does for the reigning Super Bowl champs in Kansas City.
The Darnell Washington File
Expect to hear a lot about Washington’s backstory as training camp nears. He spent time in foster care as a child, and even spent a few nights in a U-Haul as his family bounced around from place to place.
He was a wide receiver in Nevada, before being shifted to TE and became the No. 1 prospect in the state as a high school senior. He was a high school All-American before committing to Georgia.
With the Bulldogs, he saw significant playing time as a freshman, and started as a sophomore and junior. His stats aren’t eye-popping, but remember, Georgia was full of playmakers. It’s not like he was the only option.
Washington Comes to Pittsburgh
Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth was third on the team last year with 732 yards and second on receptions with 62, but defenses aren’t exactly game planning on how to stop Freiermuth. He’s an above-average TE on a run-heavy offense.
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Pat Freiermuth celebrating a TD vs the Bears.
This was a draft that was heavy on tight ends. Washington was the eighth selected out of the 15 chosen. He wowed scouts with his power (he tossed the blocking sled at Georgia Pro Day like it was nothing) and speed for a man his size.
The NFL is full of great athletes, super human beings who can do extraordinary things. Tight ends have become the latest weapon in the chess game for offenses, because defenses don’t have a lot of options on how to cover them – linebackers are too slow, safeties are too small. Washington has the raw physical skills to be a breakaway star for the Steelers and help lift them back to the NFL playoffs.
