Steelers' Rookie Darnell Washington Dominating Elite Edge Rusher TJ Watt In 1st Day Of Padded Practice

The Pittsburgh Steelers might have gotten themselves the steal of the draft by selecting Georgia tight-end, Darnell Washington in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Washington is expected to be a raw talent that will need some work and have to learn how to be effective in the passing game at the NFL level, however, it is physical attributes that make him an extremely successful and effective blocking tight end to pair with Pat Freiermuth. Washington showed off his blocking ability by dominating reigning 2021 AP Defensive Player Of The Year, TJ Watt, at the Steelers first day of practice in pads on Tuesday. 

Steelers' Backs-On-Backers Drill

During the Steelers' backs-on-backers drill on Tuesday, Washington was able to get the best of Watt not just once, but twice. Tomlin was reportedly begging for the match-up between the rookie and the vet. He began to antagonize the match-up even more after Washington won the first repetition.  

Washington won the first and second rep against Watt during the drill. This might be surprising to most since Washington is a rookie, and Watt is one of the more accomplished players in the league having tied the all-time sack record for a season in 2021. However, Washington is an athletic specimen that towers over most players at 6'7". He also reportedly weighs 265 pounds. He isn't an easy tight end to shove to the side.

Although Washington showed out against the best edge rusher on the Steelers roster, he still struggled against some of the other pass rushers. Alex Highsmith, who recently signed a contract extension with the Steelers, was able to get by Washington pretty handedly. It was also reported that Highsmith's inside spin-move is looking as lethal as ever. 

Washington wrapped up his impressive day on Tuesday by scoring his first touchdown of training camp. He was able to haul in a jump ball over cornerback, James Pierre. Hopefully, we see more of this throughout the regular season. Washington, being such a tall target, should make it easy for Pickett to trust him enough to throw him a few jump balls, which Washington would most likely win. 

Washington was not the only rookie that stood out in backs-on-backers on Tuesday. Nick Herbig reportedly also had a big day and continued his successful 2023 training camp. Herbig was able to beat Washington, and before that he was a nightmare for Connor Heyward as well. Herbig is looking like he might also be a steal for Pittsburgh as he fell to them in the fourth-round of the NFL draft. 

Herbig was selected by the Steelers out of Wisconsin, the same place the organization found their perennial All-Pro edge rusher in Watt. The two have reportedly known each other for a while, and Watt has been mentoring Herbig since before he was drafted by the Steelers. Watt could have been a major reason Herbig was picked by Pittsburgh, along with needing depth at the outside linebacker position. 

Washington and Herbig's play so far in training camp has been a promising sight to see for Steelers fans. So far, both look like steals of the draft and they have been able to play well in camp against both rookies and veterans. Herbig has been batting passes down at the line of scrimmage and consistently been able to get into the backfield, while Washington has been able to hold his ground consistently against one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. It's no wonder why the Steelers have been the recipients of so much offseason hype in 2023, while also being talked about as having one of the best draft classes in the league. 

What do you think of Washington dominating Watt Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below!

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