Darnell Washington, often referred to as “Mount Washington” due to his towering 6-foot-7, 264-pound frame, has emerged as a compelling figure in the National Football League (NFL). As a tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington has garnered attention for his unique combination of size, athleticism, and blocking prowess. This article delves into his journey from a high school standout in Las Vegas to a key contributor in the NFL, addressing common questions about his career, performance, and potential, while incorporating the latest information available from web sources and posts on X.

Early Life and Background

Darnell Ernest Washington was born on August 17, 2001, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Growing up in a city known for its bright lights and entertainment, Washington faced challenges that shaped his resilience. Notably, he once slept in a U-Haul truck in a Walmart parking lot near Las Vegas, a testament to the hardships he overcame on his path to professional football.

High School Stardom at Desert Pines

Washington attended Desert Pines High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball. His athletic versatility was evident early on, as he contributed to back-to-back state championships for the Desert Pines football team in 2016 and 2017. As a five-star football recruit, Washington was ranked as the No. 23 overall prospect nationally, the No. 1 athlete in Nevada, and the top tight end prospect by ESPN and PrepStar Magazine. His commitment to the University of Georgia was a pivotal moment, announced during the 2020 Under Armour All-America Game on ESPN2.

College Career at Georgia

Washington’s college career at the University of Georgia was marked by success, both individually and as part of a dominant team. As a true freshman in 2020, he recorded seven receptions for 166 yards. Despite a minor foot fracture requiring surgery, he showed resilience, appearing in seven games. 

His sophomore year saw him score his first career touchdown in the SEC Championship Game against Alabama, finishing with nine receptions for 145 yards. In his junior year (2022), Washington had a breakout season, amassing 28 receptions for 454 yards and two touchdowns, earning Second-team All-SEC honors.

Georgia’s football program, under coach Kirby Smart, was in its “golden era” during Washington’s tenure, culminating in back-to-back College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championships in 2021 and 2022. Washington’s contributions as a tight end were integral to Georgia’s success, showcasing his ability to block and contribute in the passing game. However, an ankle injury in the 2022 CFP semifinals raised concerns about his durability heading into the NFL Draft.

NFL Draft Concerns

Washington’s draft stock was a topic of discussion due to reported knee issues, which caused him to slide to the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Posts on X from April 2023, including one from @AaronWilson_NFL, noted that some NFL teams downgraded Washington due to these medical concerns, despite his high initial grades. Nevertheless, his impressive combine performance running a 4.63–4.66 40-yard dash at 272 pounds underscored his athletic potential.

NFL Career with the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Washington with the 93rd overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, halting his draft slide. On May 12, 2023, he signed his rookie contract, marking the beginning of his professional journey. His nickname, “Mount Washington,” not only reflects his physical stature but also pays homage to the Pittsburgh landmark, endearing him to Steelers fans.

Rookie Season (2023)

Washington’s rookie season was primarily defined by his blocking ability, as the Steelers utilized him in nearly half of their offensive snaps across all 17 games, with seven starts. However, his receiving production was limited, with just seven catches for 61 yards on 10 targets. This underwhelming output was partly due to the presence of starting tight end Pat Freiermuth, who remained the primary pass-catching option when healthy. Washington’s role as a rookie was to support the run game, leveraging his size and strength as a blocker.

Breakout Moments in 2024

In his second season (2024), Washington showed signs of growth, particularly in the passing game. He played in all 17 regular-season games, starting 16, and recorded 19 receptions for 200 yards and one touchdown, averaging 10.53 yards per catch. His first career touchdown came in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, a five-yard back-shoulder catch from quarterback Justin Fields. Another highlight was a career-best four catches for 36 yards in a Week 7 win over the New York Jets.

Despite these strides, Washington’s receiving opportunities remained inconsistent. He recorded double-digit receiving yards in only six games and was held without a catch in four of the final five games of the regular season. His snap count hovered around 50% of offensive plays, reflecting his continued role as a blocking specialist. Pat Freiermuth’s four-year contract extension before the 2024 season further solidified his position as the top tight end, limiting Washington’s targets.

Notable Plays and Incidents

Washington’s physicality has made headlines, both for his on-field contributions and occasional controversies. In Week 3 of 2024, he was fined by the NFL for a blindside block during a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Later, in a December 2024 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington’s aggressive block on cornerback Darius Slay sparked a fight, resulting in fines for four players, including Washington. Described as a “fierce block straight out of ‘The Blind Side,’” this incident highlighted his intensity as a blocker.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

A Unique Physical Profile: At 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds, Washington is a physical anomaly in the NFL. His size, combined with surprising speed and agility for his frame, makes him a matchup nightmare. His combine performance, including an eye-popping one-handed catch and a 40-yard dash time in the 4.6-second range, drew comparisons to elite tight ends like Rob Gronkowski. However, unlike Gronkowski, Washington’s current role leans heavily on blocking rather than receiving.

Blocking Prowess: Washington’s primary value lies in his blocking ability. Described as an “excellent blocker,” he has been a key component of the Steelers’ run-heavy offense. His size and strength allow him to overpower defenders, creating lanes for running backs like Najee Harris. This skill was evident in college, where he was a standout blocker for Georgia’s championship teams, and has translated to the NFL.

Limited Receiving Opportunities: Despite his physical gifts, Washington’s receiving stats have been underwhelming, partly due to Pittsburgh’s offensive scheme and the presence of Freiermuth. Analysts note that he “doesn’t have much wiggle,” meaning he lacks the elusiveness of some pass-catching tight ends. His 261 receiving yards and one touchdown through 34 games reflect a limited role in the passing game, but his potential remains high.

Public Perception and Media Coverage

The “Mount Washington” Moniker: Washington’s nickname, “Mount Washington,” has become a fan favorite, reflecting both his physical stature and his connection to Pittsburgh. The moniker was popularized during his rookie season and has been embraced by teammates and media alike. It also aligns with his role as a towering presence on the field.

Social Media Buzz: Posts on X have highlighted Washington’s potential and challenges. For instance, @Steelersdepot’s May 2025 post suggested that Washington’s stock was rising, indicating optimism about his development. Conversely, earlier posts from 2023, such as those by @NFL_DovKleiman and @AaronWilson_NFL, focused on his draft slide due to knee concerns, showing the mixed narrative surrounding his career.

Comparisons to Rob Gronkowski: Some analysts, particularly in posts on X and articles from FOX Sports, have drawn comparisons between Washington and Rob Gronkowski, citing his size and potential as a “Gronk-esque” tight end. While these comparisons are flattering, Washington’s current production suggests he has a long way to go to reach that level. His role as a blocker-first tight end differentiates him from Gronkowski’s pass-catching dominance.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Injury Concerns: Washington’s draft slide was largely attributed to concerns about a knee injury, which some teams feared could impact his longevity. While he has not missed any games in his first two NFL seasons, these concerns linger in discussions about his long-term durability. Additionally, his college ankle injury in 2022 raised questions about his ability to stay healthy in high-stakes games.

Developing as a Receiver: Washington’s limited receiving stats have been a point of contention. Despite opportunities in 2023 when Freiermuth missed five games due to a hamstring injury, Washington failed to capitalize, finishing with just seven catches. Analysts suggest that improving his route-running and agility could unlock his potential as a pass-catcher. His size makes him a red-zone threat, but he has yet to consistently demonstrate this in games.

Competition with Pat Freiermuth: Freiermuth’s presence as the Steelers’ primary tight end limits Washington’s opportunities. With Freiermuth’s contract extension through 2028, Washington is likely to remain a secondary option in the passing game unless injuries or schematic changes create more targets. This dynamic has led to skepticism about his fantasy football value, with outlets like RotoWire noting that he is “unlikely to have much fantasy potential” while Freiermuth is healthy.

Future Outlook

Potential for Growth: Entering his third NFL season in 2025, Washington is at a crossroads. His physical tools and blocking ability make him a valuable asset, but expanding his role in the passing game could elevate him to a more prominent status. The Steelers’ quarterback situation, with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson competing for the starting role, remains uncertain, which could impact Washington’s targets. However, his chemistry with Fields, as seen in his Week 2 touchdown, is a positive sign.

Role in Pittsburgh’s Offense: The Steelers’ commitment to a run-heavy offense under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith suits Washington’s skill set. His ability to dominate as a blocker aligns with Pittsburgh’s identity, and incremental improvements in his receiving game could make him a more versatile threat. If he can increase his snap count and target share, Washington could become a dual-threat tight end.

Fantasy Football Relevance: For fantasy football players, Washington remains a risky pick. His limited production and competition with Freiermuth make him a low-floor option. FantasyPros noted that he had one target or fewer in each of his last five games in 2024, underscoring his inconsistency. However, in deeper leagues or formats that value blocking contributions, Washington could be a sleeper pick if he sees increased involvement.

FAQs

What Are Darnell Washington’s Career Stats?

As of the end of the 2024 season, Washington has played 34 games (16 starts), with 26 receptions for 261 yards and one touchdown. His average of 10.0 yards per catch reflects his ability to make impactful plays when targeted, though his opportunities are limited.

Why Did Washington Slide in the NFL Draft?

Washington’s slide to the third round was primarily due to concerns about a knee injury, as reported by sources like @AaronWilson_NFL on X. Despite his high grades as a prospect, some teams were cautious about his long-term health, leading to his selection at No. 93 by the Steelers.

How Does Washington Compare to Other Tight Ends?

Washington’s size and blocking ability set him apart from many tight ends, but his receiving production lags behind pass-catching specialists like Freiermuth or elite talents like Travis Kelce. His college stats (45 receptions, 774 yards, three touchdowns) were modest compared to his physical potential, and his NFL role remains specialized.

What Is Washington’s Role in the Steelers’ Offense?

Washington serves as a blocking tight end, playing approximately 50% of offensive snaps. His primary role is to support the run game, but he has shown flashes of receiving ability, particularly in 2024. His development as a pass-catcher will determine whether he can become a more complete tight end.

Is Darnell Washington a Fantasy Football Asset?

Currently, Washington is not a reliable fantasy option due to his limited targets and inconsistent production. His role as a blocker and the presence of Freiermuth make him a low-priority pick in most leagues, though his potential for growth keeps him on the radar in dynasty formats.

In Summary

Darnell Washington’s journey from a Las Vegas high school star to a Pittsburgh Steelers tight end is a story of resilience, potential, and untapped talent. His nickname, “Mount Washington,” encapsulates his towering presence on the field and his growing connection to Pittsburgh’s football culture. While his NFL career has been defined by elite blocking and modest receiving stats, his physical gifts and flashes of playmaking ability suggest a bright future. 

As he enters his third season, the focus will be on whether he can expand his role in the passing game and overcome the challenges of injury concerns and competition. For Steelers fans and NFL enthusiasts, Washington remains a player to watch, with the potential to become a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s offense.

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