Mike Tomlin breaks down what he loves about Steelers rookie Darnell Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has big plans for rookie tight end Darnell Washington and so far, the former Bulldog is living up to the hype. The third-round draft pick out of Georgia is back in the depth chart but winning his coach’s heart with his old-school attitude about his position.

Tomlin discussed his vision for Washington while on the Rich Eisen Show ahead of the Steelers’ first game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

“You know, I just really love the fact that he embraces the blocking component of the position,” Tomlin said. “When we went down to Athens, they said his personal license plate was ‘sixth offensive lineman.’ Just a guy that embraces that component of the job in today’s game is exciting. He’s got the physical attributes to boot. He’s been really good during team development.

“I’m excited about what he can bring at the point of attack and the run game… You need guys that look like 4-3 ends to block 4-3 ends. He looks like some of these animals… Today’s 215-pound tight end oftentimes struggles to block the 4-3 end. He has an appetite and an attitude for it.”

Aiding his quest to see the field often in his first year, Washington has showcased the receiving skills he developed over three seasons in Athens so far this preseason. At Georgia, he topped out at 28 receptions for 454 yards and two touchdowns before declaring for the draft.

“I’m looking forward to him being a big-time help to us,” Tomlin added. “He’s been better in the passing game maybe than we anticipated so that’s also been a plus.”

Darnell Washington just days away from rookie debut

Former Georgia wideout George Pickens knows all about how Washington developed his attitude and playing style while under Kirby Smart’s tutelage.

“At Georgia, it’s just like a block-and-run-first [offense],” Pickens said last month. “That’s really what they train us to do is to block first. I really wasn’t in an air-raid [offense], as you would say, or a passing offense first. I was in a pro-style. So, me and Darnell, for sure, know about blocking first.”

“He’s a specimen. I played with him in college so it’s kind of been some things that I’ve already seen. Like that one-handed catch, I’ve seen that a billion times,” Pickens added. “He’s going to be a real help to the team for sure.”

Washington will backup Steelers star tight end Pat Freiermuth this season. Freiermuth had a breakout year in 2022, recording 63 catches for 732 yards and a pair of touchdowns.