Former Georgia tight end Darnell Washington was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 93rd pick on Friday night.
Washington entered the draft as a potential first-round pick, but ended up slipping to the end of the third round.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, medical concerns played a part in Washington’s slide.
New #Steelers TE Darnell Washington would have gone much higher than late-third round but "medical zonked him," as one scout said. Knee is a concern, and might not be only one, depending on the team. But as that same scout added, 'It's laughable. He will play a long time."
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 29, 2023
Washington became the second former Georgia player to be picked by the Steelers this draft. Pittsburgh took offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the first round on Thursday with the 14th pick. Washington will join former UGA wide receiver George Pickens as a pass catching option in Pittsburgh.
BIG ⭕ is off the board!
Congratulations, @_Dwfootball11.#GoDawgs #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/YLwZkDv1VW
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) April 29, 2023
The 6-foot-7, 270 pound pass-catcher is simply a freak who can be a huge difference-maker at the next level if used correctly.
The former five-star prospect out of Las Vegas, Nevada, came to Georgia as a member of the class of 2020. He ranked as the No. 23 overall player coming out of high school.
Big 0 @_Dwfootball11 !! What a journey. From the moment you committed I knew you'd be a special player. Watching you grow and become the man you are has been incredible. So excited to watch you make plays in Pittsburgh just like you did here. GO DAWGS !!
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) April 29, 2023
He clocked a 4.64 40-yard dash (sixth among tight ends) with a 4.08 20-yard shuttle (first). Washington posted a 10-foot-2 broad jump and a 31-inch vertical jump. His 83.75-inch wingspan is the largest ever for a tight end at the combine. Additionally, his 11-inch hands are the second-largest ever for a tight end at the combine.
Washington caught 28 passes for 454 yards (16.2 average) and two touchdowns in 2022.
Even though he’s been labeled primarily as a blocker, Washington’s catching ability was on stage at the combine and he didn’t disappoint.
