Darnell Washington – 2023 Fantasy Football Outlook
Tight End – Georgia
6’7 264 lbs
3rd Round – (93rd Overall) – Pittsburgh Steelers
If you followed our Dynasty Rookie Profiles that we have here at Faceoff Sports Network, you would have known even more about Darnell Washington. Our writer Bryce Williams called him a third-round pick and that’s exactly where he went. A solid addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers as they are trying to revamp their team looking to go 17 without a losing record.
While looking at Washington’s overall numbers, they didn’t pop. His three-year stats at Georgia were 45 receptions, 774 yards, and three touchdowns. Although his final season was his best as he finished with 28 receptions, for 454 yards and two touchdowns. On a positive note, his stats from last season gave him 16.2 yards per perception at 264 pounds!
So why the low stats? While ranking fifth in catches, Georgia was a run-heavy team. Furthermore, Washington was also competing with college football’s top tight end and future first-round Brock Bowers.
Where Washington certainly made an impact at the NFL Combine. With his big frame, he shined at all aspects of the drills. Per PlayerProfiler Washington ranked No.2 amongst tight ends in the class. Furthermore, he was No.5 in every position and No.9 all-time for tight ends.
Once the NFL combine ended and everyone knew Washington’s name, he was starting to be projected as a first-round pick. Many, based on his size alone we’re looking to draft him as a tight end, yet, have him play tackle. However, I saw him more as a blocking tight end and red zone threat.
The NFL Draft started and Washington’s name wasn’t heard until later in the third round. Why the fall all of a sudden? A troublesome knee injury was the initial reason for the slide. Other injuries he had at Georgia were also a cause for concern. Can he stay healthy in the NFL?
Regardless of this, Washington is added to a Pittsburgh Steelers team with former first-round pick Pat Freiermuth. This dynamic duo could be a threat together, especially in the red zone. However, the Steelers used a first-round pick on Broderick Jones, so Washington could make an immediate on the field as an extra lineman to help out Najee Harris and the running game.
Fantasy Football Outlook
As stated above, Washington should be on the football field often as this Steelers offense tries to rebuild on the fly. He’s going to be listed as a tight end but will be brought in as an extra lineman. That being said, as long as Pat Freiermuth is on the field, Washington has little fantasy value as of right now.
We don’t know what offensive coordinator Matt Canada has up his sleeve, but he needs to improve or he’s gone after this season. As of right now, Washington is not worth drafting and can be left on waiver wires once the redraft season starts.
Dynasty Outlook
His 6’7”, 264-pound frame alone will get him on the field right away. Provided that he’s a dual threat as a blocker and a red zone threat. If he can do both, we could have a sleeper on our hands. That being said, he could have a career path similar to that of Marcedes Lewis.
Hopefully, the Steelers run a form of 12 personnel or put Washington at H-back for maximum production.
According to our 1QB and Superflex average draft position (ADP) Washington is going at the end of the third round. This is a solid landing spot for him as there is a great opportunity ahead of him.
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