PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith raved about the trajectory of second-year tight end Darnell Washington during his media availability on Thursday. Smith loves to utilize tight ends, and that was displayed in Week 2 against Denver when Washington scored his first career touchdown on fade pattern in the red zone. Justin Fields put the ball right where it needed to be, and Broncos safety P.J. Locke had no chance against the 6-foot-7 Washington.
“I’ve never had a tight end like Darnell with that size and athletic ability,” Smith said. “He’s such a unique player. He’s had some really dominant blocks. It’s exciting as a coach. The sky is the limit for him.”
Darnell Washington has been dominate in the run game as a blocker this season. That was his M.O. coming out of Georgia in 2023. Mike Tomlin said during his post-draft press conference that Washington probably had ‘sixth offensive lineman’ on his license plate.
At 6-foot-7, 265 pounds, Washington believes he could play offensive tackle if the Steelers needed him to. He has allowed just one pressure in pass protection this season.
“I feel like if I put my mind to it and that’s what the team needs, I feel like I could, yeah,” Washington said when asked if he could be an emergency offensive tackle.
Washington thinks communication has been the biggest reason for the Steelers’ success in the run game through three games.
“Just being on the same page from the tackle to the tight end standpoint,” Washington said. “Communication all the way down to the center. I feel like just being on the same page.”
It will be interesting to see if Smith uses Washington more in the red zone going forward. By the sound of it, that could be the case. Outside of the touchdown reception, Washington has just one reception for five yards this season. His size and athleticism certainly makes him an intriguing red zone target, though.
One thing is clear, Washington has made a big jump in his second year thus far. That’s exactly what Tomlin looks for in second year players.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.