Darnell Washington has the potential to be the next great tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and here’s why. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing 270 pounds, Washington is a physical marvel, combining size, athleticism, and raw talent that could make him a dominant force in the NFL. Let’s break down the factors that could propel him into stardom with the Steelers.
1. Incredible Size and Athleticism
Washington’s size alone makes him a mismatch for almost any defender. His towering height and impressive frame give him an advantage in contested catches, especially in the red zone. He has a large catch radius that allows him to snag passes in tight coverage and haul in throws that many tight ends would miss.
What truly separates Washington from other tight ends is his athleticism for a player of his size. He runs a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, which is outstanding for a tight end his size. His speed and agility allow him to separate from defenders, making him not just a blocker, but also a legitimate receiving threat. He has demonstrated excellent ball skills, catching passes in traffic and even outrunning defensive backs on longer routes.
If Washington can refine his technique and route running, he could become a dangerous weapon in the Steelers’ offense, both in the passing game and as a blocker in the running game.
2. Impact in the Steelers’ Offense
The Pittsburgh Steelers have historically utilized tight ends well, from Heath Miller, who was an integral part of their offense for over a decade, to more recent names like Pat Freiermuth. If Washington can build on his skill set, he could complement Freiermuth in a two-tight end system, allowing the Steelers to create mismatches against opposing defenses.
Red Zone Threat: Washington’s size makes him an ideal candidate for red zone plays, where his height and ability to leap above defenders will make him a prime target for touchdowns. With his ability to box out defenders, he could thrive as a go-to target for quarterback Kenny Pickett in short-yardage situations or when the Steelers are near the goal line.
Blocking Strength: Tight ends are also vital in the running game, and Washington’s blocking ability is another area where he excels. He’s a physical player who’s not afraid to engage with defenders, making him a great asset for running backs like Najee Harris. His size and strength will give him the ability to create space for the run game, whether it’s in zone blocking schemes or power running plays.
3. Skill Set and Development
While Washington has shown flashes of brilliance, especially as a blocker, there is still room for development in his game. He played at the University of Georgia, where he was part of one of the most successful college programs in recent years, winning a national championship. However, he wasn’t always the primary pass-catching tight end in Georgia’s offense—Brock Bowers, a more dynamic receiving tight end, often took the lead in terms of targets and production.
Now, in the NFL, Washington will need to become more refined in his route running and develop his chemistry with the Steelers’ quarterbacks. He’s a solid pass catcher, but in the NFL, he’ll face higher-level competition. If Washington can develop his soft hands, learn how to shake off tacklers more effectively, and improve his understanding of zone coverages, he could turn into one of the top receiving tight ends in the league.
4. Fit with Kenny Pickett and the Steelers’ Offensive System
One of the key factors in Washington’s potential for success with the Steelers is the development of their quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Pickett has shown promising signs as a rookie and could grow into a reliable starter for the Steelers. A big, athletic target like Washington could be an excellent fit for Pickett’s style of play, particularly in high-pressure situations like third downs and red zone opportunities.
The Steelers have relied heavily on short-to-medium-range passing under head coach Mike Tomlin, which aligns well with Washington’s skill set. His ability to catch passes in traffic and provide a reliable safety valve for Pickett would give the Steelers another dimension in their passing attack.
Furthermore, Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator Matt Canada has been known for utilizing multi-tight end sets, and with both Washington and Freiermuth in the lineup, the Steelers could use both players in creative ways to create mismatches in the passing and running game. The dual tight end setup would force opposing defenses to pick their poison, whether it’s covering two skilled tight ends or dealing with the speed and elusiveness of Pittsburgh’s wide receivers.
5. Comparison to Other NFL Tight Ends
Washington’s potential reminds many analysts of current NFL tight ends like Travis Kelce and George Kittle. While Washington is still developing, his combination of size, speed, and blocking ability offers a unique skill set. If he can evolve into a more consistent pass-catcher, he could rival some of the top tight ends in the game, especially when paired with a quarterback who can throw accurately to him in key situations.
Washington’s greatest comparison might be to Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens, who is known for his athleticism and ability to make plays in both the passing and running games. If Washington can make strides in both areas, he has the potential to be just as impactful.
Conclusion: The Future of Darnell Washington in Pittsburgh
Could Darnell Washington be the next great tight end for the Steelers? The potential is certainly there. With his incredible size, athleticism, and ability to both block and catch passes, Washington has all the tools necessary to become a dynamic force in Pittsburgh’s offense. As he develops his route running and builds rapport with Pickett, his role in the offense will only grow.
Pittsburgh has a history of utilizing tight ends in creative and impactful ways, and with the right coaching and development, Washington could very well live up to the hype. Steelers fans should be excited about what Washington can bring to the table and the potential for him to be a centerpiece of their offense for years to come.
