The Pittsburgh Steelers have achieved their goal of beefing up in the trenches this offseason. That plan was on full display in Kansas City at the 2023 NFL Draft, which began with offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the first round. While tight end wasn't a huge need, the team simply went with the best player available approach in the third round. That's when they found University of Georgia tight end Darnell Washington, Jones' college teammate.
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The Steelers were able to reunite college teammates Darnell Washington and Broderick Jones in moves to continue to get better in the trenches.
Pat Freiermuth has dealt with three concussions in his first two NFL seasons, so the selection makes some sense when considering those injury concerns. It would've been easy for Freiermuth to feel slighted by the pick, but he has a completely different approach. In fact, he seemed to be quite ecstatic about it when speaking with Emily Giangreco of WTAE.
"I love it [the draft class]. I think we did a great job. You know, obviously, keep building that Pickett fence that they talk about. Darnell’s out here today and I really appreciate that, showing his commitment to the team and to me and it’s big time. I think we did a great job at the draft," Freiermuth said to Giangreco.
Keep building that Pickett fence. Of course, that's in reference to protecting quarterback Kenny Pickett, the main priority of the offseason. Between Jones, Washington, and the signing of Isaac Seumalo, it's safe to say the team has achieved that. Freiermuth was present for his first-ever youth camp, which he plans to have many more in the future.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers' Pat Freiermuth has quietly become one of the best tight ends in football, but three career concussions have caused major room for concern for his long-term future.
The tight end wants to give back to the community of Pittsburgh, as they've been so gracious to him for his two years in the league so far. Washington was helping him out at the camp, a big boost for the team chemistry. The quick offseason is essentially over for players now, as OTA's are just around the corner. Before we know it, training camp and then the preseason will be here.
Freiermuth has developed into one of the best tight ends in the NFL in just two years. In 32 career games now, he has 123 catches for 1,229 yards and nine touchdowns. He saw a big uptick in yards per catch in 2022, as that number went from 8.3 to 11.6. The team found better ways to get him involved in the middle of the field, which helped his overall stats in that department.
If there was one part of his game to nitpick, it would be his blocking. While he took a step forward in 2022, he still can improve in that aspect. It's something that Washington will be able to bring to this offense, as he became known for his ferocious blocks at Georgia. If anything, he could help the Penn State product a little bit in that department. Either way, these two are going to be a dynamic duo, particularly in the redzone.
JORDAN SCHOFIELD / STEELERNATION (TWITTER: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth lines up against the New Orleans Saints in the 2022 regular season.
How good of a duo do you think Freiermuth and Washington will become? With an improved offensive line, what are your expectations for the offense in 2023? What grade would you give this offseason thus far for Khan? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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