Steelers Might Have NFL's Next Great Tight End
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have dipped their toes pretty heavily into the Georgia Bulldogs pool the last two seasons. After acquiring George Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, they returned this spring to draft left tackle Broderick Jones and tight end Darnell Washington.
Coming from a winning program in the SEC, the three Georgia alums already know what it takes to win. And for the Steelers, they weren't afraid of adding winners with pretty high ceilings during the last two drafts.
How good can they be, though? Pickens has already shined, catching 52 passes for 801 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. Jones is competing for the starting job at training camp. As for Washington, well, even if he's still growing, his upside may be bigger than anyone in Pittsburgh imagined.
"Maximum Darnell Washington is probably the greatest tight end in the NFL," Pickens said. "Just off size, hands, and stuff that he can do. Learning plays - all the mental stuff - that'll come on Darnell's time. As far as physicality and ability [Pickens shakes his head in approval]."
Right now, Washington is working with the second team behind Pat Freiermuth and Connor Heyward. He's viewed more as a blocking option than a weapon in the receiving game, but that should change with his growth.
Along the way, Pickens is doing his part to help mentor the rookies as they adjust to the NFL lifestyle, which should smooth out the process for the former Bulldogs.
"Those two specifically, I'm glad we got those two because they were some [players] I used to hang out with," Pickens said. "Just guiding them through. I know they're young so they gotta do the mandatory rookie stuff. But just guiding them through and letting them know - don't fall asleep in the meetings - just little stuff like that."
The expectations for Washington as a rookie aren't too high. Behind one of the NFL's best receiving tight ends and two developing pieces in Heyward and Zach Gentry, he could be limited in playing time this season.
But if things go as Pickens sees them, and a "maximum effort Darnell Washington" is reached, the Steelers could have themselves an All-Pro caliber tight end.
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