Steelers draft Darnell Washington with pick 93 of the NFL Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have upset some fans when they traded out of their 80th overall pick to move down to 93 and gain the 132nd overall pick from the Panthers, but when you see who it ended up being, that will end fast. Darnell Washington is one of the rarest athletes in this class […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have upset some fans when they traded out of their 80th overall pick to move down to 93 and gain the 132nd overall pick from the Panthers, but when you see who it ended up being, that will end fast.
Darnell Washington is one of the rarest athletes in this class and one of the more well rounded tight ends. Imagine a sixth offensive lineman in the run game, but with the pass-catching prowlece of a slot receiver.
Well, that's the dynamic that Washington is going to bring to Pittsburgh. Reports are that medical concerns caused his fall in the draft, but if everything pans out, this pick will be a steal.
Washington is coming off his best season as a pass catcher, recording 417 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while used primarily as a "mover" in the run game for Georgia.
Here's what Tyler Browning of A to Z Sports' had to say about Washinton:
A massive frame, listed at 6’7, 280 pounds. Has shown the ability to seal off the edges and give the RB an open lane. Handles smaller players with ease. Doesn’t consistently strike with good hand placement, but is able to lock the defender out and establish leverage. Quite effective as a lead blocker in space. Needs to develop an anchor for bull rushes.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic offered the following about Washington:
The leanest 270ish pounds I have ever seen on a football field, Washington executes different kinds of blocks with his athletic range and the physical hands to control, drive and steer defenders. As a receiver, he gives his quarterback a massive catching target and swallows the football, although his long legs can get tied up on redirection routes or when making sharp cuts out of breaks.
