The Pittsburgh Steelers have bolstered their offensive lineup this offseason by acquiring tight end Jonnu Smith, complementing their existing player Pat Freiermuth. Insider Jeremy Fowler indicates that the Steelers plan to use both Smith and Freiermuth effectively in critical third-and-long scenarios this season. Amidst these additions, questions arise about the role of Darnell Washington and where he fits within the team’s strategy.
High Praise for Darnell Washington from AFC North Analysts
During the latest episode of the 40s and Free Agents podcast, analysts Gregg Rosenthal and Daniel Jeremiah examined prominent rookies and key acquisitions in the AFC North. After mentioning Jonnu Smith, the conversation shifted unexpectedly to Darnell Washington, sparking some bold evaluations of his talent.
Gregg Rosenthal expressed strong admiration for Washington’s abilities, stating,
“He might be the best tight end on this team overall.”
—Gregg Rosenthal, Analyst
This commendation is particularly striking given the strong performances of Smith, who recorded 800 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and Freiermuth, who secured a four-year contract extension. Unlike these two receivers-focused tight ends, Washington represents a more traditional style—he excels as an inline tight end with exceptional blocking skills, using his considerable size to dominate in the running game while also displaying surprising athleticism when moving into open field.
Darnell Washington’s Blocking Ability Draws Comparisons to Jason Peters
It is Washington’s prowess as a powerful run blocker that captured Daniel Jeremiah’s attention. Jeremiah compared Washington’s potential trajectory to that of former tight end Jason Peters, who transformed into one of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL’s best offensive tackles.
Jeremiah said,
“I think he’s the best tackle on their team. And I really like Fautanu, their right tackle, and we’ll see what Broderick Jones can be. But just in terms of talent, he’s got the frame to do it. If you want to earmark this for three years down the road and we’re talking about Jason Peters 2.0, it’s this dude.”
—Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Analyst
Jason Peters is well known as a perennial Pro Bowler who excelled with the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles, earning first-team All-Pro honors twice and second-team four times. However, Peters began his career as an undrafted free agent tight end from the University of Arkansas, where his receiving statistics were modest. Early in his career, Peters focused on playing blocking tight end and special teams before transitioning to offensive tackle under the guidance of Bills offensive line coach Jim McNally.
Physical and Athletic Traits Suggest Washington’s Potential for Positional Shift
Washington shares several physical traits with Peters. Peters measured 6’5” and 328 pounds coming out of college, while Washington stands taller at 6’7”. Although Washington weighed only 264 pounds at the NFL Combine, former Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson noted that Washington reached 315 pounds during his last season. This weight aligns closely with the average NFL offensive tackle size of around 6’6” and 315 pounds, reinforcing Jeremiah’s assessment of Washington’s suitability for the position.
Despite his promising frame, Washington is not currently seen as better than Steelers tackles Troy Fautanu or Broderick Jones, but his rare athleticism sets him apart. Athleticism in offensive tackles is critical for handling pass rushers effectively, and Washington’s combination of size and agility is unusual, offering unique advantages on the field.
Gregg Rosenthal commented on Washington’s capabilities, saying,
“Everyone I trust says something similar, And yet, when he gets out in the open field and you see his hands, how many other players are like that in the league?”
—Gregg Rosenthal, NFL Analyst
Daniel Jeremiah further emphasized this exceptional athleticism by labeling Washington as,
“a unicorn.”
—Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Analyst
The Importance of Offensive Tackle and Washington’s Future Role with the Steelers
The offensive tackle position is vital in protecting the quarterback, demanding players to consistently fend off aggressive pass rushers. While Washington’s frame and agility suggest he could evolve into a top-tier tackle over time, it remains uncertain if shifting him exclusively to that role now would maximize his impact. Given his unique skill set, Washington also holds significant promise as a tight end contributing both as a blocker and a receiving threat.
Washington himself acknowledges the possibility of moving to tackle in the future if the Steelers decide to explore that transition. For the time being, however, the focus is on him continuing to challenge defenders and add value from the tight end spot.
His blend of size, strength, and surprising quickness gives Pittsburgh a versatile weapon, and his development will be closely watched as the team attempts to balance its offensive strategies this season and beyond.