Steelers Rookie TE Darnell Washington Acknowledges Big Learning Curve Still Ahead In 2023

Perhaps everyone's favorite Pittsburgh Steelers pick in the 2023 NFL Draft was University of Georgia tight end, Darnell Washington. Widely regarded as the third-best tight end in his class, just behind Michael Mayer and Dalton Kincaid, the black and gold scooped him up in the fourth round. Many mock drafts had him going in the early-second round, some even to the Steelers, while there were a few that even had him going in the first round.

His fall was later explained as injury concerns related to his knee, but the Steelers felt comfortable enough taking him with the 93rd overall pick. Washington was one of the biggest freak athletes in this year's draft class, standing at 6'7", 264 pounds. While tight end may not have been a huge area of concern for Pittsburgh, the value in the fourth round was too good to pass up. 

With Pat Freiermuth's concussion history in his first two NFL seasons, the pick made even more sense. Washington brings a blocking dynamic to the team that they don't necessarily have, while also being a big threat inside the 20-yard line. With OTAs underway, he already acknowledged that he's getting used to the change of speed in the NFL. Via Mike Prisuta of Steelers.com, Washington understands that he has a ways to go.

"I played at Georgia so I thought I'd come here, I'd know mainly a lot of things already, but I still have tons of things to learn. Little details of routes, how to sell it, just a little head movement or things like that. I can't really remember exactly which day, but last week I'm out there, you know, a little press-man (coverage), things like that. I was just like, 'It's real.' These are grown men, guys who have been in the league for 10-plus years or X-amount of years."

Everyone knows that Washington is far from a finished product. It's partially why he slipped to the eighth tight end taken in the draft over a month ago. While he possesses arguably a higher upside than anyone, he is largely seen as a raw, unfinished product still. At Georgia, he was a backup tight end due to being behind 2024 superstar prospect Brock Bowers.

While that's more of a praise toward Bowers than a diss to Washington, he didn't see much action in the passing game in college. In 27 career games, Washington had just 45 catches for 774 yards and just three total touchdowns. Based off that, it would be ignorant to not expect a learning curve to begin his NFL career. He reportedly had some struggles in his first week of OTAs, as he's still particularly raw in his route-running.

Washington praised his fellow teammate, Freiermuth, on Tuesday. While the Penn State product enters just his third season in the NFL, he could be the perfect mentor for the rookie. In fact, the two can take tidbits from each other's games. On paper, the two complement each other well, as Washington's weakness is Freiermuth's strength, and vice versa.

We will all find out in a few months how that relationship on the field translates. With Zach Gentry limited in the passing game and Connor Heyward seeing snaps elsewhere, Washington should be the No. 2 TE relatively quickly. Along with his upside through the air, he should provide an immediate impact in the running game. That, combined with the improved offensive line, gives fans the hope that Najee Harris will have a big season in 2023.

Do you think Washington has potential to become one of the best TEs in football? What are your expectations for his upcoming rookie year? Do you expect him to be the primary backup to Freiermuth right away? Share your thoughts in the comments below, yinz!

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