During the 2023 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected tight end Darnell Washington in the third round. Most pundits saw this as a steal, given Washington’s remarkable athleticism and strong blocking skills. However, he is still developing as a pass catcher and was targeted only 10 times in the passing game last season, despite playing the most snaps of any tight end on the roster (511).
Despite his limitations as a pass catcher, Washington is confident that this season will be different for him. He expects to have a breakout year and has expressed his optimism about the upcoming season during OTAs. Washington credits his increased knowledge of the NFL and a better grasp of the game compared to his rookie year for his confidence.
However, Washington acknowledges that there will be competition for targets on the team. The new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is bringing a more tight-end-friendly offense to Pittsburgh, but with players like Pat Freiermuth and Connor Heyward also vying for targets, Washington will need to work hard to earn his opportunities on the field. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for Washington and the Steelers as they look to make their mark in the NFL.
