Steelers select Darnell Washington TE, Georgia #93 overall

[BlackAndGold]

STEAL!!!

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[polamalubeast]

but maybe a concern


Aaron Wilson
@AaronWilson_NFL
Georgia standout tight end Darnell Washington, who excelled in games last season, has been pushed down on some #NFL teams' draft boards due to a knee issue, per league sources. Unclear how far he falls from original grades, which were high.

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[Edman]

Apparently he and B.Jones were a two man wall on the Left end. Dude can block.

[polamalubeast]

"They just added a massive mauler who's a more explosive version of Marcedes Lewis."

@movethesticks
' 33rd overall player goes to the
@steelers
at pick 93!

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[DesertSteel]

What did we pick up in the trade?

[pczach]

What did we pick up in the trade?


They got the 30th pick in the fourth round. Pick #132.

[Mojouw]

I seem to remember that Heath fell a bit (far less) over a knee concern. That certainly worked out well. Maybe lightening strikes twice?

[SteelMember]

So, with the new rule of allowing #0, will "The Big O" live on?

[SteelMember]

Heeeeath
Muuuuth
Calling it now...
Ohhhhhh


:chuckle:

[Born2Steel]

Went off to think on it for a bit.

DJ, Pickens, Muth, CA3, and this freaking guy, plus Najee. The weapons are there.

[HollywoodSteel]

Went off to think on it for a bit.

DJ, Pickens, Muth, CA3, and this freaking guy, plus Najee. The weapons are there.

I was just thinking the exact same thing. Plus the Oline should be much better.

Now if only there’s an OC we can draft in the 7th round…

[DesertSteel]

Went off to think on it for a bit.

DJ, Pickens, Muth, CA3, and this freaking guy, plus Najee. The weapons are there.
I wouldn't forget Warren.

[Shoes]

This is great! The Steelers should send Claypool a box of roses for making this draft possible.

[86WARD]

Went off to think on it for a bit.

DJ, Pickens, Muth, CA3, and this freaking guy, plus Najee. The weapons are there.

Yes. The 12 personnel could be nasty!!

[Psycho Ward 86]

Love the pick, but I feel for Baby Heyward and Gentry. Wonder who gets the boot?

[Bluecoat96]

Love the pick, but I feel for Baby Heyward and Gentry. Wonder who gets the boot?I bet Gentry takes Kevin Rader's spot and Heyward takes over Watt's spot at FB.

Sent from my SM-A426U using Tapatalk

[Orion]

I bet Gentry takes Kevin Rader's spot and Heyward takes over Watt's spot at FB.

Sent from my SM-A426U using Tapatalk
this is what im thinking as well. its only logical to use Heyward as a FB/Hb. but considering Heyward can line up as a TE, why keep Gentry ? open the roster/game helmet spot up for an extra linemen or LB.

[DesertSteel]

Trade Gentry for a 7? I’m not sure he could garner that.

[Shoes]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxbtFUkxCuA

[86WARD]

Trade Gentry for a 7? I’m not sure he could garner that.

He’s a pretty solid #2 TE.

[DesertSteel]

He’s a pretty solid #2 TE.
Are you saying keep him or that he would garner a draft pick?

[86WARD]

Are you saying keep him or that he would garner a draft pick?

I’d like to see them keep him. He’s only signed for a year. However if they felt the need to unload him, I think he’s good enough to get a 7th round pick in return… it not sure when that ideal time would be…

[BlackAndGold]

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[EzraTank]

Only concern and why he may have fallen to the 3rd round (he was projected as high as #39 over all on some boards) is ... knee problems.

This guy talks about it (skip to the 11:54 mark of the video the rest is him ramble on about the picks before Darnell Washington):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZGu9bwWcCs

I hope he's wrong and we stole this guy at #93.

[Shoes]

This guy was talking for 14 minutes and still hasn't said anything new, so I stopped listening. Another MeTuber looking for attention.

[86WARD]

I'm way excited for this TE room. All four are solid...

[Psycho Ward 86]

This guy was talking for 14 minutes and still hasn't said anything new, so I stopped listening. Another MeTuber looking for attention.

sounds like 90% of NFL pressers of any kind if we're being totally honest

[EzraTank]

This guy was talking for 14 minutes and still hasn't said anything new, so I stopped listening. Another MeTuber looking for attention.

That's why I said skip ahead to the 11:54 mark because he was rambling on about nothing for that long. Sorry in Sweden would that be 54:11 ? :)

[oneforthetoe]

I think there is another obvious reason why Washington was passed over by so many teams. The fact is he is not a prority fit for about half the teams in the league. While having a physical running game appears to be making a comeback, there are still a number of teams where it's not a high priority. Washington has some ball catching skills, but there were other TE's who were better receivers. Teams like KC, Buffalo, and Minnesota, just to name a few of the more pass heavy teams, probably didn't see the value in a massive blocking TE. Add to that the rumored knee problems and, maybe, it shouldn't be that surprising that he fell.

[Shoes]

That's why I said skip ahead to the 11:54 mark because he was rambling on about nothing for that long. Sorry in Sweden would that be 54:11 ? :)

Understood, but he still didn't say anything new after that point. :lol:

[Edman]

I think there is another obvious reason why Washington was passed over by so many teams. The fact is he is not a prority fit for about half the teams in the league. While having a physical running game appears to be making a comeback, there are still a number of teams where it's not a high priority. Washington has some ball catching skills, but there were other TE's who were better receivers. Teams like KC, Buffalo, and Minnesota, just to name a few of the more pass heavy teams, probably didn't see the value in a massive blocking TE. Add to that the rumored knee problems and, maybe, it shouldn't be that surprising that he fell.

The drafting of Anthony Richardson at 4 by Indy shows me the "athletic QB" trend isn't dead yet.

The Steelers are trying to pull a 5D Chess move by being the trendsetter. While everyone else zigs, they zag by just getting bigger and more physical and try to beat up the smaller defenses.

[DuckHodges]

most excited about this pick. he can be a game changer if he pans out

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

most excited about this pick. he can be a game changer if he pans out I can't wait to see him and Austin lining up on the same side.

[El Kabong]

The drafting of Anthony Richardson at 4 by Indy shows me the "athletic QB" trend isn't dead yet.

The Steelers are trying to pull a 5D Chess move by being the trendsetter. While everyone else zigs, they zag by just getting bigger and more physical and try to beat up the smaller defenses.
This thought makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. :)

[BlackAndGold]

1653070890362626048

https://twitter.com/Steelersdepot/status/1653070890362626048

[El Kabong]

Mount Washington. Great nickname.

[DuckHodges]

reminds me of julius thomas but slightly bigger. could have been a great player if his career didn't get derailed by injuries. They had the same 40 time but Washington has about 20 lbs on him. this kid is BIG.

[BlackAndGold]

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[BlackAndGold]

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[86WARD]

I think there is another obvious reason why Washington was passed over by so many teams. The fact is he is not a prority fit for about half the teams in the league. While having a physical running game appears to be making a comeback, there are still a number of teams where it's not a high priority. Washington has some ball catching skills, but there were other TE's who were better receivers. Teams like KC, Buffalo, and Minnesota, just to name a few of the more pass heavy teams, probably didn't see the value in a massive blocking TE. Add to that the rumored knee problems and, maybe, it shouldn't be that surprising that he fell.

There’s no reason the Dolphins should not have taken Washington. Same with about 10 other teams.

[Dreegking]

The drafting of Anthony Richardson at 4 by Indy shows me the "athletic QB" trend isn't dead yet.

The Steelers are trying to pull a 5D Chess move by being the trendsetter. While everyone else zigs, they zag by just getting bigger and more physical and try to beat up the smaller defenses.

they have Najee entering his prime. And he’s the biggest beast at rb in the league. Maximize your best player. They have to go maul ball. They ain’t dumb. I knew they were grabbing more beef in some capacity at TE. Load up. It only makes sense. They want to win. Look At who you got and get to greatness by maximizing strengths. Not hard stuff.

same with Oline. Good finish to the year. I think the line ranked tenth in the second half of the season, despite fans not acknowledging it. lol. But clearly in the run game, Najee was earning yards the hard way and too much on his own. Hard contact and power and lean and squirm for an inch. Now they got some horses on the Oline that will majorly compete. I love it.

[Mojouw]

I was thinking about this pick this morning. Always dangerous. I wonder what their plan was if Washington had gone in the range almost everyone expected. Let's even expand that out to being a top 50 pick. So the Steelers take Jones, Porter, and Benton. Washington is gone....I wonder what their other options were? I mean I can look at a list and see who was drafted or not, but I mean I wonder what their preferred plan would have been?

I suspect we will never ever know....but wondered what others thought....

I figure if they had never traded back no Washington....Trenton Simpson? Same trade-back and no Washington...I would have loved to see them just roll the dice and take Adebawore and hope he can find a postion. But I am not sure what they would have done....maybe a safety?

[Orion]

is matt millen back to GM'ing the lions ? jack campbell at 18 ? lol...i think campbell was a solid mid 2nd pick and i wouldnt have complained if the steelers picked him with 49 but 18 ?

[86WARD]

is matt millen back to GM'ing the lions ? jack campbell at 18 ? lol...i think campbell was a solid mid 2nd pick and i wouldnt have complained if the steelers picked him with 49 but 18 ?

In 2012, people had the same reaction when the Seahawks drafted Bruce Irvin 15th overall and that turned out pretty good for the Seahawks.

[DesertSteel]

they have Najee entering his prime. And he’s the biggest beast at rb in the league. Maximize your best player.
You think Najee is the Steelers best player?

[oneforthetoe]

There’s no reason the Dolphins should not have taken Washington. Same with about 10 other teams.

No argument there- clearly there are a number of teams that should have drafted Washington. However, I still think there were a number of additional teams that had little use for his particular skills.

[SteelMember]

So, with the new rule of allowing #0, will "The Big O" live on?

Apparently, not gonna happen...

"However, the much-anticipated number for TE Darnell Washington isn't what many hoped for. Since the league made No. 0 official, fans had hoped Washington would rock the new number as he did in college.

That isn't the case as the Steelers still seem to be against skill players wearing single-digit numbers. Instead, Pittsburgh's new tight end will sport No. 80."

[Edman]

You think Najee is the Steelers best player?

Right now. He is. Or at least the focal point of the offense. QB's really don't really get it together until Year 3 or 4, unless KP absolutely erupts in 2023. Reminder, it took Ben until his fourth year (2007) to statistically break out with a Pro Bowl season.

[Craic]

Right now. He is. Or at least the focal point of the offense. QB's really don't really get it together until Year 3 or 4, unless KP absolutely erupts in 2023. Reminder, it took Ben until his fourth year (2007) to statistically break out with a Pro Bowl season.
You provide two very different answers. The second one, I can absolutely agree with. He will be the focal point of the offense this year and as such we need to orient around him a bit, which it seems we have. And, as I've typed somewhere else, I absolutely agree. I've said often enough I don't want to return to the Three-Yards-and-a-Cloud-of-Mediocrity mindset. However, that was with a franchise QB solidly in his prime and later career. Right now, however, is exactly when we need to return to that method of offense, and then allow the pass game to grow and overtake it again over the next 5-7 years.
It's the pattern that we've seen with both franchise QBs, and it works. We were a run-first offense in our first and second SB, but by the time we played the second set in the 70s, Bradshaw was solidly the main guy and the pass game was key. Ben comes on and we're solidly run first. Then, we shift to pass first when he is in his prime. I'll look for the exact same thing with Kenny if he is able to ascend to "Franchise QB" status.

[DesertSteel]

Right now. He is. Or at least the focal point of the offense. QB's really don't really get it together until Year 3 or 4, unless KP absolutely erupts in 2023. Reminder, it took Ben until his fourth year (2007) to statistically break out with a Pro Bowl season.
Najee is not the best player on offense. Last year he was 40th in yards before contact and 32nd in yards after contact. That’s not good regardless of your o-line.

[polamalubeast]

Najee is not the best player on offense. Last year he was 40th in yards before contact and 32nd in yards after contact. That’s not good regardless of your o-line.

Najee is not the best player on offense but he was much better in the second half of the season after a brutal first half for him and for the entire steelers offense

Harris and Warren were a very good duo in the second half

[DesertSteel]

Najee is not the best player on offense but he was much better in the second half of the season after a brutal first half for him and for the entire steelers offense

Harris and Warren were a very good duo in the second half
I'm optimistic that with an improved line, it will make up for his lack of vision and speed.

[86WARD]

Ben said in his latest podcast (which was before the draft) that the Steelers would add a TE later in the draft if they see one they like. As for Conner, he thinks they will find a specific role for him but he hasn’t shown to master any trade yet…plus he’s a big help on special teams. Shazier agreed that they would take a TE. They both had it as a need…

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I like the comparison to Mercedes Lewis at the NFL Combine broadcast. Similar measurables but better athlete than Lewis is. Both terrific blockers that can also get out and catch the football.

Having TE that can block DE's but is also a dual threat can be huge in the offensive gameplan. They can run a 2TE set and either run the football or go play action with him and Friermuth vs LB's.

[BlackAndGold]

Contextualization of Washington's pass targets.

https://steelersdepot.com/2023/05/contextualization-of-te-darnell-washingtons-2022-pass-targets-at-georgia/ (https://steelersdepot.com/2023/05/contextualization-of-te-darnell-washingtons-2022-pass-targets-at-georgia/)

[Mojouw]

I like this pick - especially where in the draft it happened. But I am already getting in full eye roll mode whenever I see this dude's name.

I read two different places, by people who should know better (like they get paid actual money to watch, think, and write about football by reputable outlets), that Washington was already the best blocking TE in the league. Not on the Steelers roster, not in the rookie class, but in the entire NFL.

C'mon the guy blew up one blocking sled during the combine...maybe pump the breaks a bit?

[Craic]

I like this pick - especially where in the draft it happened. But I am already getting in full eye roll mode whenever I see this dude's name.

I read two different places, by people who should know better (like they get paid actual money to watch, think, and write about football by reputable outlets), that Washington was already the best blocking TE in the league. Not on the Steelers roster, not in the rookie class, but in the entire NFL.

C'mon the guy blew up one blocking sled during the combine...maybe pump the breaks a bit?

The more you pump the breaks the less clicks you get. But yeah, as excited as I am to see him in a Steelers uniform, and as hopeful as I am that he's going to be a fantastic blocking (possibly the best) TE in the league, let's at least see him in practice against NFL players, let alone in a few games first.

[86WARD]

I like this pick - especially where in the draft it happened. But I am already getting in full eye roll mode whenever I see this dude's name.

I read two different places, by people who should know better (like they get paid actual money to watch, think, and write about football by reputable outlets), that Washington was already the best blocking TE in the league. Not on the Steelers roster, not in the rookie class, but in the entire NFL.

C'mon the guy blew up one blocking sled during the combine...maybe pump the breaks a bit?

Not to mention there’s no equipment on any of these players. [emoji23]

[Dreegking]

I can't wait to see him and Austin lining up on the same side.

I would prefer opposite sides. The Jet sweep is going to be very alive and well this year. Sorry to the many. But… I predict more than ever. And I’m ok with it.

- - - Updated - - -


Ben said in his latest podcast (which was before the draft) that the Steelers would add a TE later in the draft if they see one they like. As for Conner, he thinks they will find a specific role for him but he hasn’t shown to master any trade yet…plus he’s a big help on special teams. Shazier agreed that they would take a TE. They both had it as a need…
I also wanted them to grab a TE early and not a WR. If adding. Not out of need. I just think the best player on O is Najee. And he needs more help in any form. I’m ok with bigger bodies playing in the field when Najee is on the Field. Simple. Najee is a beast.

[Dreegking]

There’s no reason the Dolphins should not have taken Washington. Same with about 10 other teams.
TE class was loaded. Teams did draft TE. I had him 8 th on my TE list. Seems like many teams did too.

- - - Updated - - -


You think Najee is the Steelers best player?

on O. Yes. As I stated.

[86WARD]

TE class was loaded. Teams did draft TE. I had him 8 th on my TE list. Seems like many teams did too.

- - - Updated - - -



on O. Yes. As I stated.

No you didn’t. [emoji23]

And theres plenty of teams (like the Dolphins) that could’ve taken him and still have needs at TE.

[Craic]

Najee is not the best player on offense. Last year he was 40th in yards before contact and 32nd in yards after contact. That’s not good regardless of your o-line.
Just saw this . . .
I seriously have to disagree with you. That's not good because of your o-line, not regardless of it. If players are getting into the backfield so often that you can barely get a step or two without contact, the fact you're even getting upfield two or three years is amazing. And, the yards after contact is very situational. Contact can be running through arm tackles of off-balanced players or it can be drilling someone head-on and running them over. Again, if there's players in the back field, I'd say that's a lot more than just attempted arm tackles.
Instead, I'm interested in what others are saying about him, those who play or played at that level and to a person, all I've heard is that he is fantastic and very talented. I'd like to see that on the field this year, but if he's not injured like he was most of last year and running with what seems like a steel shank in his boot to protect his foot, and he's running behind an improved o-line, he probably will.

[Born2Steel]

TE DARNELL WASHINGTON is going to be a huge asset to the running game for this offense. I don't know if he will become a threat in the passing game whether redzone or down the middle or whatever. He was used for moving people out of running lanes at Georgia. My only question mark on him ever has been why wasn't he used more in the overall offensive plan at Georgia if he's ready and capable of so much more.

OL in Jumbo with DWash(270) or Little Ironhead(230) or Najee(240) carrying the ball is going to pick up that 1st down or TD a lot more times than not. DWash as the extra blocker in Jumbo is what he does best as well. Go ahead and make a list of all the teams that can bring that force to bear in short yardage situations.

Now imagine DWash and Pickens doing the blocking for those jet sweeps and using a speed guy like CA3 or McFarland. Could be a very different looking play than PF or Gentry blocking for Gunner.

I'm not saying this makes our offense. I'm only pointing out this 1 move can make our offense better. And that is the goal.

[Mojouw]

TE DARNELL WASHINGTON is going to be a huge asset to the running game for this offense. I don't know if he will become a threat in the passing game whether redzone or down the middle or whatever. He was used for moving people out of running lanes at Georgia. My only question mark on him ever has been why wasn't he used more in the overall offensive plan at Georgia if he's ready and capable of so much more.

OL in Jumbo with DWash(270) or Little Ironhead(230) or Najee(240) carrying the ball is going to pick up that 1st down or TD a lot more times than not. DWash as the extra blocker in Jumbo is what he does best as well. Go ahead and make a list of all the teams that can bring that force to bear in short yardage situations.

Now imagine DWash and Pickens doing the blocking for those jet sweeps and using a speed guy like CA3 or McFarland. Could be a very different looking play than PF or Gentry blocking for Gunner.

I'm not saying this makes our offense. I'm only pointing out this 1 move can make our offense better. And that is the goal.

For the usage question at Georgia, I can only go by what I have read. And that is that Bowers (the other TE) is an absolute freakish monster of a talent who was ready to dominate SEC play from day one as a freshman. Many early scouting reports are basically saying he is a fusion of Pitts threat as a receiver and a dominant blocker as a TE. There are a few serious draft publications that put him as a top 5-10 pick in his upcoming draft class. I believe he is also a projected finalist and some say sure winner of the Biletnikoff award as a TE.

Again...I do not watch UGA football (although with the astounding amount of NFL picks....maybe I should?) and have never seen Bowers or Washington play before. But it READS like Washington's usage at Georgia was more related to how great Bowers is than how not great Washington is....

[Orion]

dayum...here's a video thats escaped me.


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

[tube517]

There is a picture with him and Muth. He is a giant.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

[DesertSteel]

There is a picture with him and Muth. He is a giant.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FwNnnXlWwAAVIYO?format=jpg&name=large

[86WARD]

There is a picture with him and Muth. He is a giant.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

Gentry looks like a giant next to Freiermuth as well.

[Dwinsgames]

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-rookie-darnell-washington-doesnt-include-travis-kelce-on-his-list-of-the-nfls-top-five-tight-ends/

[86WARD]

There is a picture with him and Muth. He is a giant.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230521/499c4b9529f831b68a164576c4e6adce.jpg

[tube517]

Gentry looks like a giant next to Freiermuth as well.

Yep. And Muth is 6'5".

[Orion]

teams are going to regret passing up on that beast. muth is probably like, awe shit, there goes my stats.

[hawaiiansteeler]

‘He’s Gonna Be Huge For Us:’ Alex Highsmith Impressed By 2nd-Year TE Darnell Washington

https://steelersdepot.com/2024/08/hes-gonna-be-huge-for-us-alex-highsmith-impressed-by-2nd-year-te-darnell-washington/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[tube517]

They need to start using him in the red zone as a receiver. He can be a weapon. If Weegie Thompson did it so can Mt Washington

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

[86WARD]

I’d like to see him getting some catches away from the sideline where he can get moving and not get knocked out of bounds.

[Born2Steel]

I think that is all coming. Baby steps.

[tube517]

He ain't 264 or whatever listed. Position coach spilled the beans about his weight lol. Oops he said

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[DesertSteel]

He ain't 264 or whatever listed. Position coach spilled the beans about his weight lol. Oops he said

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk
What did he say it was?

[tube517]

What did he say it was?Over 300. I can't find the clip but when he said it he was like oops lol

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

[86WARD]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241031/ca25684c3b706a15812e7e49a764ffc0.jpg

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Washington was 264Lbs at the NFL Combine. I dont know if he put on 30 lbs from then, but he has always been a great blocker. He moved the sled like no other TE a the combine.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXBxhTrblsw

[ALLD]

I keep getting him confused with Cedric Wilson.

[DesertSteel]

That 4.64 40 was pretty impressive too.

[hawaiiansteeler]

The long and short of it is Darnell Washington, Calvin Austin becoming threats for Steelers

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Monday, Nov. 25, 2024

https://triblive.com/sports/the-long-and-short-of-it-is-darnell-washington-calvin-austin-becoming-threats-for-steelers/

[Born2Steel]

The long and short of it is Darnell Washington, Calvin Austin becoming threats for Steelers

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Monday, Nov. 25, 2024

https://triblive.com/sports/the-long-and-short-of-it-is-darnell-washington-calvin-austin-becoming-threats-for-steelers/
This is a fun article. These guys didn't start off this season with much of the playbook open to them. Keep working, keep coaching, and now they are developing into real weapons we can use regularly on Sundays.

Short yardage, redzone, goal-line....run behind Washington. It's what he does best.