After trading down from #80 in a deal with the Carolina Panthers, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Georgia TE Darnell Washington 93rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
It’s a fall for Washington, reportedly due to medical concerns over his knees. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Washington had knee swelling at the Combine that worried some teams, leading to his fall.
With a unique body type, Washington is long and a talented run blocker who tested off the charts. Though his freakish athleticism didn’t always translate to the field, he’s an intriguing, unique player he can make plays down the seam.
“He’s a punishing, punishing blocker with above-average speed,” ESPN NFL analyst Booger McFarland said on ESPN’s live coverage of the draft after the Steelers selected Washington. “I love this pick for Mike Tomlin.”
Last season, Washington caught 28 passes for 454 yards and two touchdowns. For his career, Washington caught 45 passes for 774 yards (17.2 YPC) and three scores.
You can check our scouting report below. Here is the good and bad from our article.
THE GOOD
— High-level blocking tight end
— Accurate in space tracking down defenders at the second level
— Monstrous frame; does not get bullied at the POA
— Wrecking ball runner after the catch
— Not a burner, but is deceptively fast in a straight line
— Catches the ball comfortably with his hands
— Bullies defenders in jump ball situations, high-pointing the ball
— Capable in pass blocking situations, showing strength for interior linemen and agility for edge rushers
THE BAD
— Low production as a receiver
— Limited route tree
— Doesn’t display lower-body fluidity to cut clean breaks in his routes
— Doesn’t create much separation against man coverage, needs to use his body to combat defenders better
— Struggles as a run blocker stem from playing in front of his toes or being too slow with his hands, allowing defenders to get into his frame first
— Slow to accelerate down field
The Steelers currently have three more picks in the draft. A fourth rounder (#132 overall) and a pair of seventh rounders, #241 and #251. It’s possible Pittsburgh makes another move down tomorrow to bridge that gap of over 100 selections.
