The Steelers added an intriguing member to their tight end group during the draft by selecting Darnell Washington. Their incumbents at the position appear likely to delay his ascent into a significant role as a rookie, however.
Washington was one of several members of a celebrated TE class in 2023 after his three-year career at Georgia. He won a pair of national titles with the Bulldogs, and set new personal marks in receptions (28), yards (454) and touchdowns (two) in 2022. The 6-7, 270-pounder’s draft stock was aided primarily by his high degree of success as a run-blocker, though, and that will no doubt be his path to playing time early in his NFL career.
Pittsburgh has 2021 second-rounder Pat Freiermuth in place as their top pass-catching tight end. The 24-year-old recorded 732 yards last season, the sixth-highest figure in the NFL at the position. He will be complemented by veteran Zach Gentry, whose strength as a run blocker earned him a one-year deal in free agency to remain with the Steelers. The presence of those two will lead to a slow approach on the team’s part as it pertains to Washington.
“It takes a little bit of pressure off Darnell because of what you’ve got in that room,” tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts said, via Joe Rutter of TribLive.com. “As he comes in, he can come in slowly and be allowed to grow. As he does that, I think he can be a real problem for people to handle.”
Washington, 21, saw his draft stock take a hit due to a foot injury, but his stellar Combine performance convinced the Steelers to add him to an already young skill-position group. Many tight ends shoulder small workloads in their rookie campaigns, and the depth at the position in Pittsburgh will give the team the luxury of time in developing Washington. His long-term potential remains intriguing given his size and athleticism, though.
His former Georgia teammate, left tackle Broderick Jones, is likewise in danger of beginning the 2023 season out of the starting lineup. The latter faces considerable expectations after the Steelers traded up to select him in the first round, but veteran Dan Moore impressed during the spring. Padded practices will commence during training camp, giving Washington an opportunity to earn a larger workload ahead of his rookie season.
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