Steelers Now
UNITY TWP., Pa. — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington has be viewed as a glorified sixth offensive lineman in the first two years of his NFL career. Since being drafted in the third round (No. 93 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, Washington has only recorded 26 catches for 261 yards and one touchdown.
Washington, who has a massive stature at 6-foot-7 and in the 290 range, has stonewalled linebackers during blocking drills at training camp. With Washington being a dominant blocker, could a position change to offensive tackle be in the cards? He doesn’t discount that possibility.
“Personally, I feel like I can, but right now, I’m a tight end,” Washington said. “So, I’m gonna focus on that. Later on down the road or any time in the road, if they ask for me to do that, I’m gonna still do my best ability. I’m gonna do it.
“I’m focused on the tight end role or until I can’t or whenever my time’s up. I’m an open-minded dude.”
Washington was dominate in the run game as a blocker last season. That was his M.O. coming out of Georgia in 2023. Mike Tomlin said during his post-draft press conference that Washington probably had ‘sixth offensive lineman’ on his license plate.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith raved about the trajectory of Washington in September of last year. Smith loves to utilize tight ends, and that was displayed in Week 2 against Denver when Washington scored his first career touchdown on fade pattern in the red zone. Justin Fields put the ball right where it needed to be, and Broncos safety P.J. Locke had no chance against the 6-foot-7 Washington.
“I’ve never had a tight end like Darnell with that size and athletic ability,” Smith said. “He’s such a unique player. He’s had some really dominant blocks. It’s exciting as a coach. The sky is the limit for him.”
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports tabbed Washington as a player primed for a breakout season in 2025. He believes he can be a Marcedes Lewis-type security blanket for Aaron Rodgers.
“This gargantuan tight end from Georgia is a block-first monster, and he’s already one of the league’s best young people-movers at the position. He doesn’t have to be just that. With the Bulldogs, Washington genuinely flashed as a receiver. He simply doesn’t move in the same manner of today’s uber-slippery athletes at the position — he was just under 6-7 and 264 pounds at the combine. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s playing in the 270s now.
“On those 19 receptions a season ago, Washington forced five missed tackles as a brute force to bring to the turf. With Aaron Rodgers under center, I envision this third-year tight end becoming a Marcedes Lewis-type security blanket for the veteran quarterback and catching 40-plus passes while making his presence felt in the red zone too.”
Alan Saunders provided reporting from St. Vincent College.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: [Massive Steelers TE Darnell...
