Darnell Washington Struggles In Offseason Workouts
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington struggled last year during spring workouts, and nothing has changed a full year later. Washington has proven himself as a solid blocking tight end, but he's not going to be a 30-catch guy based on what we've seen from him in his second offseason. Even in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's tight-end-friendly scheme, fantasy managers in deeper leagues shouldn't expect Washington to have much more offensive output than he had last year, when he went for seven catches on 10 targets for 61 yards and no touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (seven starts). The 22-year-old former third-round pick last year out of Georgia doesn't figure to be on the fantasy radar in redraft leagues in 2024 unless Pat Freiermuth misses time with an injury.
Darnell Washington Should Be More Of A Receiving Threat
Pittsburgh Steelers second-year tight end Darnell Washington got put into a box as a blocking tight end as a rookie in 2023 and rarely had opportunities to showcase his potential as a pass-catching mismatch, catching just seven of 10 targets for 61 yards. But 6-foot-7, 265-pound monster of a tight end said there's a "strong possibility" he'll become more of a receiving threat in new offensive coordinator's tight end-friendly system. The 22-year-old is an intriguing mismatch if sent out on routes, but as long as Pat Freiermuth remains healthy as the team's top pass-catching TE, it's going to be hard for Washington to stand out in fantasy.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington is expected to have an expanded role for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) has officially been ruled out for this game. Last time Freiermuth sat out, Washington saw 70 percent of the offensive snaps. However, that didn't result in much production on the offensive side. Washington has one reception for 10 yards through five games this season. The hope is that he'll get more involved as the season goes on. Fantasy managers probably shouldn't risk streaming Washington despite him likely getting the start this week.
Darnell Washington Should Have Expanded Role Against Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington has caught just one pass so far this season but could be in line for additional opportunities against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5. With Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) officially inactive for Sunday's contest, Washington should be expected to run more routes and potentially earn some targets from quarterback Kenny Pickett (knee). Still, the Ravens have allowed the fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2023, so fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a starting option. The rookie remains just an interesting stash in dynasty leagues for the time being.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie tight end Darnell Washington (knee) was able to put in a full practice on Friday and won't carry an injury designation into the Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday night. Washington was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday. As long as Pat Freiermuth is healthy for the Steelers, the third-round rookie isn't going to have much of a role in this offense. Through his first two NFL games, Washington hasn't been targeted at all. The 22-year-old played 38 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and 48 percent of the snaps in Monday night's win over the Cleveland Browns.
Darnell Washington Calls His Route-Running "Inconsistent"
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington was selected by the team in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but there's a chance he won't be on the fantasy radar as a rookie. The 6'6", 254-pound tight end caught just 45 passes for 454 yards and three touchdowns in three seasons at the University of Georgia and has a long way to go as a pass-catcher. "I know I may have run a good route here and there during these couple of days, but it's still inconsistent", said Washington. "I feel like, when it comes to that, cleaning up in and out of breaks." Washington is a freak size-adjusted athlete and should contribute right away as a blocker, but he's not worth drafting in redraft formats for 2023 behind Pat Freiermuth on the depth chart. If he can develop in the coming years, he's still an interesting dynasty asset, but don't expect him to catch many passes in 2023.
Darnell Washington Draws Praise From Pat Freiermuth
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie tight end Darnell Washington was drawing a lot of buzz again during mandatory minicamp practice on Thursday. Washington said he'd give himself a B- or a C+, but teammate Pat Freiermuth was more impressed. "Darnell's really good, man. He's putting it all together. The past two days he's looked really good." The Steelers took the 21-year-old Washington in the third round of this year's NFL draft out of Georgia. He fell slightly because of medical concerns, but those injury issues appear to be behind him as he enters his first NFL season. Washington has impressive speed and agility and should push Zach Gentry for the backup job to Freiermuth in 2023.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie tight end Darnell Washington can be used as a big red-zone target and a formidable blocker for the Steelers offense in his rookie season. The Steelers took the big tight end out of the University of Georgia with the 93rd overall pick in the third round last weekend. He stands at 6-foot-7, 264 pounds, and is surprisingly agile and athletic for his size. The 21-year-old is still developing as a pass-catcher -- he caught only 45 passes for 774 yards and three touchdowns in three seasons with the Bulldogs. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues should probably ignore Washington in 2023, as Pat Freiermuth remains Pittsburgh's top pass-catching option at the tight end position.
The Pittsburgh Steelers picked Georgia tight end Darnell Washington (knee) with the 93rd overall pick in the NFL draft. Washington fell down teams' draft boards due to a knee issue. Pittsburgh gives young quarterback Kenny Pickett another big red-zone threat alongside tight end Pat Freiermuth. Washington notably brought in 28 catches for 454 yards and two touchdowns most recently in 2022. At 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds, he possesses the frame to make contested catches look somewhat routine. The 21-year-old also sports the strength to break free from tackles and the speed to leave defenders in the dust. Sharing snaps with another young tight end in the Pittsburgh offense, Washington might have a difficult time seeing much fantasy value in his rookie year.
