Steelers Sights and Sounds: Mike Tomlin Loves Darnell Washington

UNITY TWP, Pa — The Steelers took the field for training camp for the first time on Thursday. But who did Mike Tomlin really want to see? It wasn’t just anyone, but his rookie tight end Darnell Washington, who he focused on right away at the start of the practice.

Washington joins a group of tight ends that are trying to make the Steelers’ offense an identity built off the running game. With Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Connor Heyward, and Rodney Williams in addition to the talented rookie, it is a deep group that tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts is excited about. Moreover, he is hoping that he can work mismatches into the offense with his impressive group this year.

Part of that starts with being able to be both solid blockers and attack outside from the slot. But that is just part of it. Working with the offensive line helps a lot, too. Washington and Broderick Jones have existing chemistry from their time at Georgia that will allow them to really flourish. Jones himself is in competition with Dan Moore to win the starting left tackle spot on the team’s roster. However, the veteran Moore is not going to let that get away from him easily, showing up with a reworked body and mindset.