Steelers: How Darnell Washington can transform Pittsburgh's offense
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have just solidified one of their better draft classes in recent memory with the 93rd overall selection of the NFL Draft, in tight end Darnell Washington. The Athletic marvel from Georgia fell down some boards after medical concerns, but I highly doubt the Steelers would invest a top 100 pick on […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have just solidified one of their better draft classes in recent memory with the 93rd overall selection of the NFL Draft, in tight end Darnell Washington.
The Athletic marvel from Georgia fell down some boards after medical concerns, but I highly doubt the Steelers would invest a top 100 pick on a player with serious concerns.
So we're going to project what Washinton can be under the guise that he is healthy and able to play. But boy the league better hope not, because when I explain his potential you will be left wishing the season started tomorrow.
First off Washington obliterrted the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, measuring in at over 6'7'' and 260 pounds to pair with the second highest atheotic sciore amongst all participating tightb ends including a 4.64 forty yard dash, 31' vertical and jaw-dropping 4.08 short shuttle.
Now that we have established the specimen that is Washington, let's see how that transitions to actual football and more importantly, how he fits in Pittsburgh.
Washington is no regular tight end, instead, he's a fusion of tackle and pass catcher. Possessing the height and strength of a premier right tackle, with the hands and athleticism of a slot receiver.
Pittsburgh needs help up front, but they also need someone who can create mismatches over the middle of the field, stretching the seam vertically.
Washington becomes an extra tackle in the run game, but without going into jumbo sets that limit the capacity of playcalling. This will create nightmares for defensive coordinators during the week.
So if health is considered, this Steelers offense just received the keys to a high powered sports car. The only question left, how will the driver do come the fall?
