Steelers training camp news: Washington dazzles, Pickens over Porter, Trice replacement

Steelers news: Darnell Washington makes a ferocious impact at start of camp

Watch out Pat — rookie tight end Darnell Washington is bursting onto the scene at camp.

The 93rd overall pick was widely hailed as a steal despite his positional switch;  Washington formerly played as an offensive tackle before switching to tight end. Naturally, his blocking skills carried over, and Washington is currently touted to be one of the squad’s most versatile key pieces in 2023.

The former Georgia Bulldog looms over others at 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds, but his size and strength only adds to his advantage. Washington was spotted making an impressive catch in the end zone on Wednesday, easily blowing past a defender and then executing a dainty toe-tap as he secured the catch.

Here’s what Steelers beat writer Nick Farabaugh wrote of Washington:

"The massive tight end made the leaping touchdown in seven shots, but his blocking is ferocious. The Steelers run to his side more often than not and somehow, the defensive end is moved out of the gap and there is somewhere for that running back to go."

Farabaugh also noted that Washington worked in some 12-personnel sets with fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth, which suggests that the Steelers could employ both pass-catching threats on the field come September.

Washington did, after all, spend an entire collegiate career up against essentially the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line. It should come as little surprise that the massive tight end can give even the most experienced defenders a run for their money.