The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Darnell Washington from the Georgia Bulldogs after trading back in the third round of the NFL Draft with pick #93. Washington, for those who are unfamiliar with him, is the offensive weapon that has his own zip code and is a two-time National Champion. The Bulldogs’ weapon is the best blocking tight end in football and now he plays for the Steelers.
Kevin Snyder
Darnell Washington blocks an Arkansas defender in an away game in 2022
Just to be clear, that moniker does not have a qualifier attached, it includes the NFL. The Georgia tight end is reminiscent of Steelers legend Larry Brown who converted to tackle after starting his career with the Steelers as a tight end. Brown was a superior blocker and a below-average pass catcher, so he converted to tackle, went to the Pro Bowl and won four Super Bowls in the process. Unlike Brown, Washington is an extremely effective option in the passing game and should thrive in short-yardage situations as a huge target for Kenny Pickett.
Kevin C. Cox | Credit: Getty Images
With their third round pick the Pittsburgh Steelers take Darnell Washington.
Washington was projected as a late first-round, early second-round draft pick and was expected to come off the board early on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. The Steelers were a possible destination at pick #32 but they elected to go with Joey Porter Jr instead. Two picks later a stampede for tight ends in the second round started and despite his pedigree, Washington was not among the five tight ends taken in the round.
Rumors began to quietly circulate that health concerns were at the root of the mammoth fall. Washington’s former teammate Nakobe Dean experienced a similar phenomenon during the 2022 NFL Draft. Aaron Wilson who covers the Houston Texans for KPRC2 broke the news on Twitter on why the highly touted Bulldogs pass catcher was falling.
Georgia standout tight end Darnell Washington, who excelled in games last season, has been pushed down on some #NFL teams' draft boards due to a knee issue, per league sources. Unclear how far he falls from original grades, which were high.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 29, 2023
Washington, like Dean, was in free fall from well-hidden injury concerns. The Philadelphia Eagles linebacker was also expected to be a late first-round pick or early second and slid down draft boards with concerns about issues with his shoulder and pectoral muscles. Andy Weidl was in the Philadelphia draft room that halted Dean’s slide and now he has rescued a second Bulldog in free fall for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
ESPN
Steelers Darnell Washington and his family get the happy news that he is the newest Pittsburgh draft pick
The Georgia product played in all 15 games last season including the college football playoff that ended with a second consecutive National Championship. The Steelers assessed the risk and traded back in the third round with the Carolina Panthers from pick #80 to pick #93. The draft room had to be pleasantly surprised that Broderick Jones' teammate was still looking for a home. Khan picked up a fourth-round pick and got a difference-maker while doing it.
Jeremy Fowler from ESPN took to Twitter shortly after the pick and shared more details about the concerns around Washington’s knee that caused him to fall to the Steelers.
New #Steelers TE Darnell Washington would have gone much higher than late-third round but "medical zonked him," as one scout said. Knee is a concern, and might not be only one, depending on the team. But as that same scout added, 'It's laughable. He will play a long time."
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 29, 2023
Pittsburgh Steelers Halt Top Tight End Prospect Darnell Washington's NFL Draft Slide
Pittsburgh has to be ecstatic about finding the huge tight end who was rumored to be the highest-rated player on the Steelers board at the position. Washington is not going to be required to be a featured weapon in the passing game this season and the presence of Pat Freiermuth and Zach Gentry will give the Steelers the luxury of managing his health to maximize his production next season while he regains his full strength.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the most physical team in the NFL for decades. Fans of the Steelers expect a certain standard from players who wear black and gold on Sunday. No fan base in the NFL enjoys smash-mouth football more than Steeler Nation. Khan is quietly assembling a classic Steelers roster for his Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his bold moves are raising fan expectations exponentially with each passing day.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Are you excited about the addition of Washington for the Steelers offense? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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