By the time the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted TE Darnell Washington in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they had established a clear identity. The first round saw them add an offensive tackle, the second round a defensive tackle. In between, they added an outside cornerback with size. Washington very much fits the profile of a more physical and aggressive team.
Indeed, Washington himself bolstered his description as a sixth offensive lineman. At 6-7 and 264 pounds, you could easily mistake him for one. Reporters even asked team officials this offseason if they’ve considered bulking him up and moving him to the line.