Darnell Washington reveals what he's most looking forward to during first camp with Steelers

Darnell Washington is ready to don the black and gold. On Wednesday, the NFL rookie discussed his excitement for the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp in Latrobe, Pa.

“Just to experience it, you know? Every guy on this team experienced it before me. Just to experience it with one of the best rookie classes, to me, as in just bonding and things like that,” Washington said. “Spiritually [being] with them and with my brother from Georgia, Broderick [Jones].”

Washington and Jones are Georgia products. The Steelers selected Jones with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Just two rounds later, Pittsburgh picked up Washington with the No. 93 overall pick in the draft.

As an offensive tackle and tight end, the pair will work shoulder-to-shoulder. Although the Steelers drafted Washington a couple of rounds behind Jones, the 6-foot-7 tight end boasts just as much potential.

In his final season with the Bulldogs, Washington recorded 28 receptions for 454 yards and two touchdowns. While Washington’s figures don’t jump off the page, his athletic ability leaps off the screen. Former Georgia QB Stetson Bennett vouched for Washington’s ability.

“Dude is unbelievable,” former UGA quarterback Stetson Bennett said. “He’s a mismatch everywhere. He weighs whatever he weighs, but he’s like 6-8, 6-7 and can run like we run, the little dudes. He can catch like little dudes, but he’s 6-7, 280. You can’t cover him with a defensive end. He’s unbelievable.”

Washington is excited to show off his physicality in full pads at training camp.

“That’s something I guess we all looking forward to. Just trying to get out there and make each other better. Iron sharpens iron,” Washington told the press. “[I] just can’t wait to see what I get to do.”

Washington will have his work cut out for him. Most fans expect the rookie tight end to be Pat Freiermuth‘s backup this season. Freiermuth had a breakout year in 2022, recording 63 catches for 732 yards and a pair of touchdowns. For reference, his 732 yards were the sixth-most of any NFL tight end.

Although Freiermuth must compete against Washington to earn the starting spot, he is thrilled to work with the Nevada native.

“Huge,” Freiermuth recently said of Washington’s stature. “He’s bigger than most of our tackles. It’s crazy. I’m pumped just because he can block dudes pretty good so maybe he’ll free me up a little bit. I’m excited.”

Obviously, Freiermuth isn’t the only one ecstatic to get to work. Washington aims to impress in his first true showing as a Steeler, and it starts with his mindset.

“Really just come prepared. Come with the right mindset. Come in the best physical shape you can. Just preparing to just put your head down and work,” Washington said.