NFL executive perfectly explains why Steelers drafted Darnell Washington
You'll be hard pressed to find someone who isn't a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 NFL Draft class. By trading up in the first round for the fourth time in the last 20 years, they secured a franchise left tackle in Broderick Jones, and followed that with selecting Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback with […]
You'll be hard pressed to find someone who isn't a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 NFL Draft class. By trading up in the first round for the fourth time in the last 20 years, they secured a franchise left tackle in Broderick Jones, and followed that with selecting Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback with the first pick of the second round.
Pittsburgh's other Day 2 picks brought a ton of value as well. Wisconsin's Keeanu Benton and Georgia's Darnell Washington will further help the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Washington, specifically, was a surprising faller in the draft. The 21-year old tight end was a projected early second-round pick, and nearly fell to the fourth round before Pittsburgh selected him with the 93rd overall pick.
Upon asking several NFL executives for their thoughts on the 2023 NFL Draft, one exec explained to The Athletic's Mike Sando why Washington will work in Pittsburgh's offense with perfect logic.
“They are different in that their tight end has to block. It’s one of those positions for them that can have strict criteria, and they are not afraid to use draft picks, from Mark Bruener to Heath Miller to Pat Freiermuth. They are all on the plus side of 250 pounds, at least 6-4, and they can catch. I think you’ll see a lot of two tight ends and run the ball.” – NFL executive on Pittsburgh drafting Washington
Washington certainly fits the criteria for size. He stands at 6'7" and weighs nearly 270 pounds. Georgia used him as an extra blocker often, and with great success. He's simply too big and strong for most edge players he faces in the run game.
Pittsburgh will look to produce a more efficient run game with Najee Harris leading the way in the backfield. Jones and Washington will be crucial pieces in that process, especially when lined up next to each other on the offensive line.
It remains to be seen how impactful Washington will ever become as a receiver. That was not his strength in college, as he was second fiddle behind college star Brock Bowers. Washington's receiving game still needs development, but you can't develop sheer power and size.
The Washington was a classic Steelers pick, and just like the Pittsburgh tight ends that have came before him, he'll be utilized perfectly in the system.
