Steelers draft grades for every 2023 pick: Joey Porter Jr. a dream, Darnell Washingon a welcome risk

Round 3, Pick 93 — Georgia TE Darnell Washington

After picking up potential Day 1 starters with their first three picks of the draft, the Steelers took more of a risky swing in the third round with Darnell Washington.

The 6-foot-7, 264-pound tight end out for Georgia may be as valuable to the Pittsburgh running game as Broderick Jones with his in-line blocking. He may not be the second coming of Travis Kelce as a receiver, but his size makes him a unique target for the passing game as well.

The issue is that Washington was available with the 93rd pick for a reason. He has medical concerns with teams clearly passing because of potential issues with his knees. If those medical issues turn out to be a problem, then Pittsburgh may look back at this pick with regret.

Washington had 454 yards and two touchdowns on 28 catches for Georgia in 2022. He averaged 16.2 yards per catch.

Grade: B