The Pittsburgh Steelers offense struggled most of the 2022 season. Matt Canada was exposed in the transition from Ben Roethlisberger to Mitch Trubisky, and eventually Kenny Pickett as a play-caller. Pickett finished with a three-game winning streak as the starter to end the season on a high note. The magic started a little too late, as the Steelers watched their playoff hopes go up in smoke when Joe Flacco and the New York Jets could not find a way to beat the Miami Dolphins.
Eric Hartline / USA Today
The Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 Offensive Line
The Steelers spent much of the offseason retooling their offensive line and suggesting they were embracing a more classic feel to a Pittsburgh offense. It appears that the team will be going back to the future with a power running attack and setting up big plays in the passing game through play-action. It is a formula that delivered multiple Super Bowl victories in the past.
Playing out of 12 personnel packages is a key characteristic of power-running teams. The formation is characterized by one running back, two tight ends, and two wide receivers. Superior tight end play is an absolute necessity to make this formation work and the Steelers have once again turned to the Georgia Bulldogs program to cement the success of this formation.
Kevin Snyder
Darnell Washington makes a crushing block against an Arkansas defender in an away game in 2022.
In the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Darnell Washington. Washington surprisingly dropped in the draft after rumors of a medical issue pushed him out of the first round to the 93rd pick in the draft. He was part of an elite tight-end tandem for the Bulldogs pairing with Brock Bowers.
My expert-journalism report of the day:
— Jack Hillgrove (@JackWTOV9) July 27, 2023
Darnell Washington is a large human. @WTOV9 pic.twitter.com/58t1SNJzyC
The first thing that anyone notices about Washington is his size. He is a massive human being. Washington stands at 6 feet, 7 inches tall and tips the scales at 265 pounds. He is not a finished product in the passing game, but he is a massive target and has solid hands. Washington was an exceptional run blocker in college and that is why he was so highly regarded as a tight end prospect.
The left side of the Steelers offensive line in 12 personnel could feature Isaac Seumalo, first-round draft pick Broderick Jones and Washington, flanked by George Pickens. It should be a welcome change for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. It might be more likely they trip over their feet before the pair encounters a tackler in the backfield in 2023.
Lucy Schaly/Post-Gazette
Steelers WR George Pickens all smiles at training camp in Latrobe, PA
Steelers Phenomenal WR George Pickens Should Be The Catalyst For New Offensive Approach
The Steelers brought in the best blocking wide receiver in college football, Pickens, in 2022. Pickens is a vicious blocker, with a huge catch radius. He also proved his ability to impact games in curiously limited opportunities last season. Pickens shared his thoughts on his former college teammates' potential ceiling in the NFL after practice on the Pittsburgh Steelers YouTube Channel.
"Maximum Darnell Washington is probably the greatest tight end in the NFL," Pickens exclaimed. "Just off size, hands, and the stuff he can do."
According to the NFL Rookie Watch TwitterX account (@nflrookiewatxh), Pickens wasn't the only Steelers player who was impressed with the rookie. Washington drew attention from his new tight end tandem partner Pat Freiermuth as well.
Darnell Washington at his “maximum” is the greatest TE in the history of football, said George Pickens after practice today.
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) July 28, 2023
Washington’s size has reportedly been evident at training camp as he “towers” over the rest of the TE room.
Pat Freiermuth (Steelers TE) said that… pic.twitter.com/R1Ywird4h3
Washington's immediate impact should be most keenly felt in the running game when he is on the field. He could also become a key red zone target for Pickett. When the Steelers get near the goal line, they can trot out Pickens, Washington, Freiermuth, and Allen Robinson in a two-tight end set. The sheer size of that group should be virtually impossible for any NFL secondary to cover.
Great size does not guarantee success as a tight end, but it does not hurt either. The hyperbole will have to be backed up with some very serious production on the football field and that will take time. Washington will be able to settle in at the NFL level because of the presence of Freiermuth at the top of the Steelers' depth chart which should give him the chance to reach his massive potential in the NFL.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is Washington going to be an immediate star or will he take time to develop? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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