Steelers' Darnell Washington Steals Show With Preseason Grade

The Steelers' second-year tight end impressed during the team's first preseason game.

Nov 26, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) completes a catch in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports / Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have high hopes for tight end Darnell Washington. The second-year TE is expected to take a step forward under new coordinator Arthur Smith. The 6'7 behemoth was used mostly as a blocker as a rookie, but he has the skills and size to be a weapon on the Steelers' offense. It is unclear exactly what his role will be with the Steelers heading into the 2024 season.

He started off his preseason well with an impressive first performance against the Houston Texans. According to Pro Football Focus, Washington was the best player on the field for the Steelers in their loss. Despite playing less than 20 snaps in the game, PFF graded the second year player at a 91.7 which was the top marks on the team. Roster hopefuls Jacoby Windmon and Dez Fitzpatrick were close behind, with Windmon earning a score of 90.0 and Fitzpatrick a score of 85.2.

Highest-graded Steelers in the preseason opener:

🥇 Darnell Washington - 91.7
🥈 Jacoby Windmon - 90.0
🥉 Dez Fitzpatrick - 85.2
🏅 Kyron Johnson - 81.9
🏅 DeMarvin Leal - 81.2 pic.twitter.com/UjEULcLAAe

— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) August 10, 2024

PFF's high-grade for Washington came despite having no impact in the passing game, something many are hoping to see more of in 2024. He played 18 snaps throughout the game and had no targets or receptions.

He did however, show off his blocking skills yet again as Arthur Smith used him as a pass blocker for 12 of the snaps he played in and six more snaps as a run blocker. Going up against most of the Texans defensive starters, Washington showed off how strong he is while having no trouble going against the opponents first string.

While Steelers fans would like to see Washington contribute more to the passing game, he figures to play a critical role for the offense in 2024. It is evident that the Georgia product's game has progressed entering his second NFL season and it should be a perfect match for Smith's run first offense. The team wants to rely heavily on their running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and players like Washington are essential. The scheme of the offense relies greatly on effective blocking, and Washington's elite abilities will be counted on in order to win.

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