The biggest question amongst Steelers rookies – at least size-wise – is 6-foot-7 264-lb third round pick Darnell Washington, the tight end out of Georgia.
Despite National Championship experience and 20+ SEC games on his resume, Washington said the first preseason game last Friday in Tampa served to acclimate him to a bigger stage.
“That was my first NFL game, so I never played on a stage that big, so I feel like I gotta get more comfortable at it, and really just go out and play ball,” Washington said Tuesday.
When it was pointed out his collegiate track record involved some fairly large stages, the rookie clarified it’s the level of competition that’s unlike anything else he’s accustomed to.
“Going against pros. I mean, in college, not everyone is gonna get a shot at this level. It’s just different.”
Despite the ongoing adjustment, the leader of his position group, tight end Pat Freiermuth pointed out Washington’s progress.
“He’s progressing great, man. He’s making all the little things (work),” the third-year Penn State product remarked earlier in the week.
“It’s hard coming in the league and dominating like he is, blocking-wise, and I think he’s doing that. Not only that, but he’s also rounding out his game in the receiving game, too, so I can’t wait for the 1-2 punch with him.”
For what it’s worth, Washington hasn’t noticed a wealth of feedback on the receiving portion of his game, which is likely a good sign. He acknowledges he’s his own toughest critic, though.
“I always judge myself harshly, because that’s just me and the person I am,” Washington noted. “So I feel like I can always work in every aspect of my game.
Even within route running, I kind of reach a little bit. My plant step. Some little things like those.”
Despite the tweaks he’d like to make and the constant work on improving the multifaceted attributes necessary to be a successful NFL tight end, it’s clear Washington’s already a part of the game plan. After watching him rumbling down the sideline for a big gain on a tight end screen during Tuesday afternoon’s practice, Freiermuth pointed out the rookie’s already on the right track, and his feedback was limited.
“Just keep doing him. He’s long and big and strong. His physicality is his best trait, so if guys are gonna come up and press him, don’t try and get all cute and fancy,’ said Freiermuth.
“Just go right through them, which I think he’s been doing.”
Whether it’s through, over, or around, the middle of the field – which felt like a no-fly zone for Steelers quarterbacks last season – is crucial to what the offense is trying to achieve, and Freiermuth added that Washington should just be another weapon in their arsenal.
“The middle of the field is gonna be big for us. We’ve got two of the best receivers in the league with George Pickens and Diontae Johnson on the outside, and hopefully me, Allen Robinson, Darnell Washington, and Connor Heyward can work the middle of that field and interchange those roles, so I’m excited.”
Sprinkle in an increased level of chemistry with Kenny Pickett, and there’s no reason the Steelers’ tight ends can’t provide the red zone punch the offense so sorely lacked a year ago.
“It’s big time,” said Freiermuth. “We’re definitely building that chemistry, the whole offense as a whole, and I think everyone can see it out here.”