As the Pittsburgh Steelers selected tight end Darnell Washington in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, many experts believed they had made a steal. Washington is known for his exceptional athleticism and ability to block, but he is still developing as a pass catcher. During his rookie year, he played the most snaps of any tight end on the roster (511) but was only targeted 10 times in the passing game.
Despite this, Washington is determined to have a breakout year. He expressed his confidence in his ability to make a significant impact on the field during OTAs. Washington acknowledged that his rookie year was a learning experience and now feels more comfortable and prepared for the challenges ahead.
With a new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, implementing a more tight end-friendly offense in Pittsburgh, Washington sees an opportunity to showcase his skills. However, he knows that he will need to earn the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates in order to receive more targets in the passing game. Competition is fierce on the Steelers’ depth chart, with tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Connor Heyward also vying for opportunities to contribute.
Ultimately, Washington believes that he has the talent and determination to make a significant impact this season. While he faces stiff competition for playing time, he is focused on earning his place in the Steelers’ offense and helping the team succeed.