PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's that imposing size that first sticks out when you see Steelers tight end Darnell Washington. It's like he's a basketball center mixed in with guards, but they play the same position.
Washington has played some basketball, but said he likes football better. Listed at 6'7", 264, but unlike some basketball programs, this actually seems wrong on the low end. He started playing football on the defensive line and at D-end because of his size and only recently shifted over to offense. With the money available to pass rushers, why offense?
"I prefer offense," Washington said Friday. "That's where my heart is, scoring touchdowns and big blocks."
That's where he built his reputation. When Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin joked Washington's license plate reads 'sixth lineman', he was referring to a mentality. Washington said at Georgia there were other pass catching options, that's why he only caught 45 career passes. The Steelers third-round pick said he's not the type of player who goes to the quarterback and complains about his stats. His solution was to do something about it.
"Everybody in college wants the ball more; a better and easier opportunity to get to the next level," Washington said. "For me, when I wasn't getting the ball, I had to embrace something. If I'm not getting the ball, what am I doing? I'm blocking."
And he obviously did that really well. So much so it impressed his Bulldogs and now Steelers teammate, tackle Broderick Jones.
"He don't call himself the sixth lineman for no reason," Jones said. "That's his game. He thinks of himself as a lineman. That how he plays. He plays physical. He plays as a lineman."
Washington believes 100% there are opportunities for him to be a pass catcher in the Steelers offense. While taking nothing away from the abilities of offensive tackles, he's more than just a blocker. He said he's more fluid than a normal lineman and has 'great ball skills.'
He's not exactly sure how he will be used with the Steelers. The rookie mini-camp weekend is just about getting the new guys together and running them through the motions before they join the veterans with voluntary workouts on May 23. Washington said he's a fast learner and believes the offenses are similar between the Steelers and Georgia.
Early talk is he could be one of those who is more productive in the NFL than he was in college. He's up for that and would provide Kenny Pickett a large target with good hands and when he's not running routes, protecting his blind side.
That's a combination any quarterback, any offense, would cherish.
