ESPN Steelers beat writer Brooke Pryor believes the Steelers are underutilizing tight end Darnell Washington, playing him as if they’re afraid he’ll break or be exposed as not as good as they think he is. Pryor suggests that the team is hesitant to give Washington more exposure, fearing he might drop passes or struggle with increased responsibility.
This cautious approach is puzzling, given Washington’s impressive physical attributes and versatility. At 6-foot-8 and 280 pounds, he’s a massive target in the passing game and a formidable blocker in the running game. In fact, Pro Football Focus ranks him among the top-10 blockers at the tight end position.
Despite his potential, Washington’s usage has been limited, sparking speculation about his role in the Steelers’ offense. Some have even suggested that he could transition to offensive tackle, given his size and blocking abilities. However, it remains to be seen how the Steelers will utilize Washington in the future.
