With one other landing yesterday, TE Darnell Washington is attempting to proceed reminding the Steelers he can catch the ball, too. Having acquired Jonnu Smith to pair with Pat Freiermuth, it’s onerous to see a lot alternative for him to take action. It has at all times been alternative, although, that has prevented him from having an even bigger function, Washington says.
Chatting with reporters yesterday, by way of the group’s web site, Washington admitted his receiving capacity was “the most important query” about his recreation. “Not even simply final season, however popping out of the draft. All people was identical to, ‘Oh, he’s a blocking tight finish. He’s a blocking tight finish’. However I by no means actually had an opportunity to showcase my move catching or simply me getting the ball”.
A 3rd-round decide within the 2023 NFL Draft, Darnell Washington spent most of his school profession as teammates with a decent finish who lately set and NFL rookie receptions file. Not only for tight ends, however for all rookies. Brock Bowers caught 112 passes final 12 months. That’s considerably greater than Washington has in his school and professional careers, mixed.
Final season, Washington caught 19 passes on 25 targets, producing 200 yards with one landing. Including the occasional stiff-arm and hurdle, he additionally confirmed he can produce after the catch for an enormous man. Having slimmed down some this offseason—whereas saying he might play deal with—he’s prepared for something they throw in his course.
“I really feel like that’s an space I’m gonna must proceed enhancing in and hold displaying out right here on the follow area so it reveals up on Sundays”, Darnell Washington mentioned of the receiving side of his recreation. “Personally, I really feel like I’ve at all times been a great move catcher, going again to highschool. I by no means blocked”, Washington added. “I really feel like I’ve at all times been in a position to catch the ball. It’s simply form of onerous to showcase it if you’re superb at one thing else”. However he by no means complains, he mentioned, understanding what the Steelers have within the room.
Pat Freiermuth caught 65 passes for 653 yards and seven touchdowns final 12 months for the Steelers. In Miami, Jonnu Smith caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, making the Professional Bowl. With such receiving threats at tight finish, how a lot alternative is there for Washington?
The Steelers, or a minimum of Arthur Smith and his degenerate ideas, wish to be a tight-end-heavy offense. They’re even engaged on utilizing 04 personnel, which includes 4 tight ends and one operating again. So it’s potential Washington will see some receiving motion. Present a run look after which throw a move—that’s who they wish to be this 12 months. With Washington’s blocking function, he’s assured loads of enjoying time. And it might solely be an asset if the Steelers might make defenses fear about his menace as a receiver, too.
