There aren’t many teams that have had a better first two days of the 2023 NFL Draft than the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have done a wonderful job maneuvering up and down the draft board as general manager, Omar Khan has been aggressively making moves.
In Round 1, Pittsburgh made a deal with the New England Patriots, trading up from No. 17 to No. 14 to jump ahead of the New York Jets at No. 15 to select Georgia offensive tackle, Broderick Jones. That move cost them a fourth-round pick, which they recouped on Day 2.
The Steelers had the No. 80 overall pick but traded it to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for the No. 93 and No. 132. It was worth the wait as the Steelers selected Georgia tight end Darnell Washington with the 93rd pick.
Some analysts thought Washington could sneak into the end of the first round but assuredly be selected in Round 2. That provided the Steelers with excellent value by getting him with the 30th pick in the round.
Washington believes that he is a perfect fit in Pittsburgh, where their mantra of ‘tough and physical’ fits him. He provided some bold thoughts in his first comments with the media after the pick.
“Listen, that’s all I do. You surround the offense with guys like George and Kenny, and that’s a Super Bowl. That’s all I gotta say.”
Washington is referencing burgeoning star wide receiver George Pickens and quarterback Kenny Pickett in his quote. The development of both 2022 draft picks will be key to the Steelers reaching the potential they are capable of. Now, Washington will also be part of that group.
There is a ton of potential as a pass catcher for Washington. He is freakishly athletic for his size and will provide Pickett with a red zone weapon right off the bat with his ability to post up opposing players. Even if he doesn’t reach his ceiling as a pass catcher, Washington is an elite blocker in the run game.
With Pat Freiermuth already in place as a great pass-catching tight end, Darnell Washington can be the blocking complement early on. The Steelers love to run the football and now will be able to get creative with their formations with Washington operating as a sixth offensive lineman but being capable of running routes and catching passes.
