The 2023 NFL draft is shaping up to be a great first draft for general manager Omar Khan. The run of stars continued into the third round when Pittsburgh selected Georgia tight end Darnell Washington. What does the addition of Washington mean for the Steelers roster?
First and foremost, it gives the Steelers a tight end to pair up with Pat Freiermuth in 12-personnel who can be a mauling blocker and an absolute mismatch in the passing game. That run blocking also means his addition will improve the run game as Washington serves as a de facto six offensive lineman like he did at Georgia next to Steelers first-round pick Broderick Jones.
Washington’s addition does put the Steelers in a position to make a decision about Zach Gentry. The team just re-signed Gentry but it’s unlikely they keep four tight ends on the 53-man roster. With Connor Heyward a young star as a pass catcher and rusher, Gentry might be the odd man out.
