PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – When asked to ranked the strongest positions in the NFL Draft on Monday, GM Omar Khan mentioned corners, offensive tackle, defensive line and Mike Tomlin chimed in—'tight end’. The Steelers used their third-round pick, after trading back to add fourth rounder, on monstrous 6’7”, 264-pound Darnell Washington from Georgia.
As Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada put it, he’s a different type of tight end. He looks not just physically, but his performance on the field, as much like a tackle as a tight end.
“It’s all over the tape, he’s a giant human being that takes pride in blocking,” Canada said. “He enjoys being a blocker. As he’s been quoted as saying he’s a sixth offensive lineman. He understands what his body can do. I do think he can catch balls. The totals aren’t what they could be.”
“Really good person, likes football and likes being physical.”
One of the best tight ends in the country coming out of high school, Washington played three years at Georgia and in 27 games caught 45 passes (50 targets) for 774 yards, 17.2 average, and three touchdowns. Canada believes there is a possibility he could be a red zone target and he has shown the ability to run over or through tacklers in the open field. He’s shown good hands with the ability to run clean routes. Canada could also be creative with how he uses starting TE Pat Freiermuth.
Only one tight end at the NFL Combine ranked higher that him in terms of athleticism and overall score. NFL Network had him ranked as the 33rd best player overall. He slid to the Steelers due to injury concerns. Washington had a previous surgery on his right knee to clean out cartilage, but says he’s had no other issues or surgeries. Teams were concerned about reported swelling with the knee, but Washington says he has no issues.
“I had a special connection when I was there,” Washington said of his pre-draft visit to Pittsburgh. “Just the people in the building, the easiest way, the quickest way and realist way (to say it), it’s the people in the building. I had a connection with almost everyone in the building.”
“You surround that offense like George (Pickens) and Kenny (Pickett) with other players. That’s a Super Bowl. That’s all I have to say.”