Steelers Rookie Phenom Darnell Washington Goes Viral For Sensational Play During 2023 Training Camp

The question that still has yet to be answered is how did the rest of the league allow for the Pittsburgh Steelers to select Darnell Washington in the third-round of the 2023 NFL Draft? At 6'7" and well over 260 pounds, the former University of Georgia tight end put on a highly impressive showing at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, running his 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds.

Perhaps the biggest concern for NFL teams regarding his transition to the professional ranks was his receiving abilities, as he only hauled in 45 receptions during his collegiate career for 774 yards. However, Washington seems to quickly be proving the doubters wrong and is showcasing why he is much more than a one dimensional, blocking tight end. 

During the Steelers 2023 "Friday Night Lights" practice, there were quite a few players who performed well, including Kendrick Green, who took snaps out of position at fullback during team drills. However, there is perhaps no player who saw his stock increase more during the practice than Washington. 

Washington does a tremendous job of demonstrating his straight-line speed and quick change of direction in the rep above. The player defending him, Mark Robinson, is not necessarily known as a great coverage linebacker, but nonetheless, it is still encouraging to see Washington make plays like this as a receiver. He will almost certainly provide immediate value to the Steelers running game as an in-line blocker in 2023. Could he also establish himself as a fixture in the passing game? Assuming the third-round pick remains healthy, it is beginning to look like that is a strong possibility. 

Projecting Washington's Rookie Season With The Steelers 

The Steelers have no shortage of weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Led by second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett, the team boasts a highly talented wide receiver room which includes the likes of Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson and Calvin Austin III. Furthermore, Washington is joined by Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry and Connor Heyward at the tight end position. Needless to say, the Steelers have the necessary pieces in place to put up some serious numbers in 2023. 

With this in mind, where does Washington fit in? Is he even guaranteed to be active on game days? Both questions will be answered in due time, but there is no denying that he is putting himself in an advantageous situation to make an impact in his rookie campaign. With Freiermuth firmly established as the number one tight end, Washington will likely see the field most often in "12" and "13" personnel groupings, where the team has multiple tight ends on the field at once. 

Additionally, his height makes him an intriguing option in the red zone. During a recent interview, Head Coach, Mike Tomlin, explained why the former Georgia Bulldog is a serious threat inside the 20-yard line. 

Steelers 2023 Draft Class Has Opportunity To Be Special

Washington is not the only rookie has turned some heads in training camp, as both Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr. are positioning themselves nicely to open up as starters in Week 1 when the Steelers take on the San Francisco 49ers. Additionally, Nick Herbig and Keeanu Benton have had their moments as well, and could see significant playing time in 2023 if their high level of play continues. 

Fans will have the opportunity to see these players in game action as the Steelers are preparing to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their first game of the preseason on Friday, August 11th. We are less than a week away, SteelerNation! 

How excited are you to watch Washington play in 2023? Do you think he will be a receiving threat during his rookie season? How pumped are you to see the Steelers in preseason action? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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