Darnell Washington Making A "Statement" Against Former DPOY

Former Georgia tight end and third-round draft pick Darnell Washington was making a "statement against former DPOY, T.J. Watt at Steelers practice.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' fall camp has been covered with news of former Georgia players taking over at practice. Reports have shown Broderick Jones taking first-team reps and possibly having George Pickens as a top WR in the league. Now Darnell Washington is reportedly "winning reps" against former NFL defensive player of the year, T.J. Watt. 

While at Georgia, Washington was used heavily for his run-blocking capabilities and being able to dominate most opponents he faced. The Steelers were in pads for the first time this camp on Tuesday. Washington is a dominant force in that facet, using his pads as a lethal weapon on the field. 

Darnell Washington, asked by ⁦@tribjoerutter⁩ about Mike Tomlin putting him against DPOY TJ Watt multiple times in Backs on Backers pic.twitter.com/1RIT8Qb5Ti

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 1, 2023

In a statement provided to Steelers Now, Washington said, "I looked forward to putting on the pads. You know, I wanted to showcase what I could do in the pads because, without them, it's not real football."  Showcasing was nothing short of what Washington did at practice. He had a big challenge ahead of him, getting some reps against former NFL DPOY T.J. Watt. Watt is a monster on the defensive line, racking up sack after sack and blowing up the run game. 

Watt was neutralized by Washington on Tuesday in a "backs on backers" drill, which is essentially a variation of the "Oklahoma drill." In two separate reps, Washington "stonewalled" Watt. In the first rep, Watt tried a ghost move against him, where Washington got his hand in front of him, lowered his pads, and squared up Watt. Then in the next rep, Watt tried to bull rush him, and Washington stood him up. 

Steelers Now indicate that Washington may have some things to clean up with his routes, but despite that, he still went over the top of James Pierre today to make a "circus catch."  Washington has the opportunity to come out on Week One as the Steelers TE1, but Mike Tomlin and his staff want to ensure their third-round draft pick was well spent. 

Other Georgia News:

• Recruiting Update: Who Could Be Next for Georgia?
• George Pickens Can Be a “Top Guy in the League,” According to Steelers QB
• Preseason All-SEC Teams Released

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