Steelers Rookie Minicamp Recap: Darnell Washington steals the show
The Pittsburgh Steelers held rookie minicamp over the weekend, as coaches got to test out their shiny new toys, and the players could put on the black and gold for the first time. But while the product on the field is elementary, there are still some valuable takeaways, mainly in conditioning and overall athleticism. The […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers held rookie minicamp over the weekend, as coaches got to test out their shiny new toys, and the players could put on the black and gold for the first time.
But while the product on the field is elementary, there are still some valuable takeaways, mainly in conditioning and overall athleticism.
The actual content often comes off the field, however, with the media also trying to get to know these players. So let's dive into some weekend takeaways, and fun facts that surrounded the minicamp.
By all accounts, Darnell Washington was one of the most impressive players at camp over the weekend, proving to not only be healthy, but dynamic in what little action there was. Here's what Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now, (who was in person at practice) said about Washington:
You know, the Steelers are just in shorts right now, but it is hard for rookie tight ends to get blocking down so effortlessly right away. So much so, that Alfredo Roberts never had much to say to Darnell Washington about his blocking technique. When the bag was placed in front of him, he got fantastic hand placement and moved his guy right from the jump. Honestly, that is the bare minimum, but I have seen far too many rookie tight ends struggle with the basics over the year in blocking in Steelers’ rookie minicamp. Make no mistake, Washington is leaps and bounds ahead of most guys the team has brought in at tight end as blockers. It’s like poetry in motion. When you can make some of the hard stuff in this area of the game look easy as a rookie, you have my attention.
This should be music to the ears of Steelers fans. While Pat Freiermuth is a solid tight end, he doesn't have the athletic upside, tangible blocking, or height-weight-speed dynamic that Washington presents. So while it may be early, the returns on the third rounder are looking up.
After practice, Washington stuck around to answer some questions, where he revealed a story that many were unaware of and probably happy to hear it turned out the way it did:
"Well, you mentioned, you know, mom didn't want you to play, how did you convince her? Asked a reporter
Washington answered: "I think that her friend, she had a son, around the same age as me and he played football, so they talked like friends do and she mentioned to my mom about letting me come out and then it was all she wrote. "
Does she still worry about you?
"She still worries about me but end of the day, it's a game, and we're just out here having fun."
A perfect way to end practice on Mother's Day weekend. Apparently, even when your son is 6'7" and 270 pounds, you still worry about him on the football field, despite him being the one dishing out punishment. The more you know.
