The narrative surrounding Darnell Washington, once celebrated as a draft day coup for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has taken a notable shift. Gerry Dulac, a respected voice from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, shared insights that have stirred the pot on Washington’s future in the league.

Last season, Dulac labeled him a steal, but recent observations have changed that tune dramatically. “Not when I saw his knees,” Dulac remarked, reflecting on Washington’s struggles with injuries.

Darnell Washington’s Rocky Transition

Washington’s journey from a promising athlete at Georgia to a professional tight end in the NFL has been fraught with challenges. Despite his impressive physical stature—standing 6’7″ and weighing 265 pounds—his career has been hampered by recurring foot and ankle issues, and more recently, knee concerns.

These injuries have been a persistent shadow over his professional prospects, despite the Steelers’ initial confidence in his health during the drafting process.

Pittsburgh Steeler Strategy: Balancing Risk and Reward

The Steelers’ approach to the draft under the guidance of general manager Omar Khan has been to identify and cultivate potential steals—players whose on-field impact could far exceed their draft position.

While the strategy has paid dividends with players like Broderick Jones and Zach Frazier, Washington’s case is becoming more complex. His ability to stay healthy and deliver on the field is crucial, especially as the team plans around tight end Pat Freiermuth’s expected contract extension.

A Critical Upcoming Season for Darnell Washington

As Washington prepares for his second NFL season, the pressure is mounting. The Steelers hope to utilize him as a significant red zone threat, a role he excelled in during his college days. However, with only seven catches for 61 yards in his rookie year, the upcoming season is pivotal. The Steelers need him to step up, particularly with players like Connor Heyward and MyCole Pruitt ready to compete for more offensive snaps.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Draft Philosophy Under Scrutiny

The evolving discourse around Washington underscores a broader conversation about the effectiveness of the Steelers’ draft strategy under Khan. While the team has seen some successes, the real test continues to be how these players adapt and grow within the NFL—a challenge that remains as unpredictable as ever.

The case of Darnell Washington will be an interesting subplot as the Steelers navigate the upcoming season. His development could either prove Dulac’s revised assessment wrong or confirm that even the most promising players can falter under the harsh lights of the NFL.