Steelers have big plans for 'biggest steal' of draft

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers have big plans for 'biggest steal' of draft

By Aaron Becker | 5/15/23

Multiple NFL scouts and executives have named TE Darnell Washington, the Steelers' 2023 third-round pick, as the "biggest steal" of the draft. Pittsburgh has big plans for its new big tight end.

"Darnell Washington will not just be a blocker, but help us out in the passing game too," general manager Omar Khan said on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan. "I'm sure he'll be one of Najee's best friends in the run game, but that's a guy who will help us in the passing game. I'm very confident."

The Steelers thought about taking Washington at pick No. 80 as he was the top player on their board but decided to trade down after losing their fourth rounder in their first-round trade up.

However, Washington was still available at pick No. 93 and Khan says they were "shocked" he fell that far.

"Washington is a unique 6-foot-7, 270-pound tight end. His height and weight don't do justice to just how massive he is. If your offense wants an offensive tackle who can also run routes and make guys miss after the catch, Washington is your man," PFF notes.

Washington totaled 45 catches for 774 yards and three touchdowns during his three years at Georgia, but that was all behind Brock Bowers, who is arguably the best tight end in college football.

If Washington is healthy, Pittsburgh found itself another mid-round steal and the team has high expectations for him, not only in the run game but in the pass game, too.

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/artic...13132_38815625

[whisper]

As long as his foot heals fully and completely.

[hawaiiansteel]

Darnell Washington's one-handed catch at the NFL Combine!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1wE_SpDNeM0

[whisper]

Steelers have big plans for 'biggest steal' of draft

By Aaron Becker | 5/15/23

Multiple NFL scouts and executives have named TE Darnell Washington, the Steelers' 2023 third-round pick, as the "biggest steal" of the draft. Pittsburgh has big plans for its new big tight end.

"Darnell Washington will not just be a blocker, but help us out in the passing game too," general manager Omar Khan said on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan. "I'm sure he'll be one of Najee's best friends in the run game, but that's a guy who will help us in the passing game. I'm very confident."

The Steelers thought about taking Washington at pick No. 80 as he was the top player on their board but decided to trade down after losing their fourth rounder in their first-round trade up.

However, Washington was still available at pick No. 93 and Khan says they were "shocked" he fell that far.

"Washington is a unique 6-foot-7, 270-pound tight end. His height and weight don't do justice to just how massive he is. If your offense wants an offensive tackle who can also run routes and make guys miss after the catch, Washington is your man," PFF notes.

Washington totaled 45 catches for 774 yards and three touchdowns during his three years at Georgia, but that was all behind Brock Bowers, who is arguably the best tight end in college football.

If Washington is healthy, Pittsburgh found itself another mid-round steal and the team has high expectations for him, not only in the run game but in the pass game, too.

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/artic...13132_38815625

Can he become Eric Green without the self discipline problems?

[Iron City Inc.]

Lots of guys are good blockers. Not many guys are great blockers. And very few guys block great and can catch great. If this rookie is special at both we may have found a Gronk like type player. That could be just what this offense needs.

[whisper]

Lots of guys are good blockers. Not many guys are great blockers. And very few guys block great and can catch great. If this rookie is special at both we may have found a Gronk like type player. That could be just what this offense needs.

Can he become Eric Green without the self discipline problems?

[NJ-STEELER]

All these “ big plans” for a guy we were willing to pass on and get selected by another team when we traded down from our original 3rd round slot.

doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
i like the player, just wondering if this is all a bit hyperbole right now.
maybe they should hold up a bit on the “ guy who is going to transform this offense “

[Iron City Inc.]

Can he become Eric Green without the self discipline problems?

I want to see him at Latrobe. I'll report what I see good or bad. It likely will be a while before we know just how he fits in and how well he performs.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

All these “ big plans” for a guy we were willing to pass on and get selected by another team when we traded down from our original 3rd round slot.

doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
i like the player, just wondering if this is all a bit hyperbole right now.
maybe they should hold up a bit on the “ guy who is going to transform this offense “

The team said that they would have taken him with the original third rounder, but wanted to recoup the extra pick they traded in the Jones trade. They got back that pick, and still got their guy - genius.

And I know we always believe what the FO says after the draft, which is why I know that the team considered Mason Rudolph a first round talent in the third round.

For the record, I don't necessarily believe a word that they say after making a pick, and I expect that everything is hyperbole.

[NJ-STEELER]

The team said that they would have taken him with the original third rounder, but wanted to recoup the extra pick they traded in the Jones trade. They got back that pick, and still got their guy - genius.

And I know we always believe what the FO says after the draft, which is why I know that the team considered Mason Rudolph a first round talent in the third round.

For the record, I don't necessarily believe a word that they say after making a pick, and I expect that everything is hyperbole.

right, he was such a "steal of the draft pick" at 93.

but what about pick 80. would he have not been a steal 13 slots higher?