Current and former Steelers cornerbacks are high on TE Darnell Washington
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson and former cornerback Bryant McFadden recently didn't hide their feelings on third-round draft choice, Darnell Washington. Believe it or not, while Peterson loves the addition of Joey Porter Jr. and thinks they will make great things happen in the Steelers secondary, he seems to be more excited about the Steelers landing Darnell Washington, the tight end from Georgia.
As it turns out, Peterson was a huge fan of Washington when he played at Georgia, and now that he is with the Steelers, he is stoked. Beyond just liking Washington, he feels the Steelers got an absolute steal when they took him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Bryant Mcfadden, in his interview with Peterson, also expressed similar sentiments.
Why Steelers are high on Darnell Washington
The first thing they like is Washington's immense size. McFadden went on to explain why that size is essential. According to McFadden, it allows the Steelers to run more “12 Personnel.” That is an offensive formation in which the offense runs a set with two wide receivers, two tight ends, and a running back.
A typical formation would probably have wide receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, Najee in the backfield, Pat Freiermuth on one side, and Washington next to Broderick Jones. Essentially using Washington as that 6th offensive lineman.
McFadden then added why that’s significant: A defense may line up in a nickel or dime formation to counter it. The Steelers got their large guys stacked to one side and are going up smaller linebackers or defensive backs. It could be problematic for some teams. It adds a whole new wrinkle to the Steelers offense in 2023.
When you have cornerbacks stoked about the addition of a tight end and how that can help the franchise, that tells you that it was no ordinary selection and that the Steelers managed to hit the proverbial home run when they selected in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft.
It will be fascinating to see how they specifically utilize Washington. Will it mainly be for blocking, or will he get a few passes thrown his way as well? Maybe a tackle-eligible play utilizing Jones and Washington.
Next. Pittsburgh must prioritize these free agents after the draft. dark
We will have to wait and see once the season starts rolling, but you can not deny there may be much excitement watching the Steelers this season. Pickett and Najee could be the major beneficiaries of the help they got with their draft picks. 2023 could provide fans with a wild ride.