'I don't know where they got this information': Darnell Washington surprised knee problems are affecting draft stock

During the 2023 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers landed a pick that was widely considered one of the best picks of the draft when they selected Georgia TE Darnell Washington in the third round with pick No. 93. One of the main reasons the 6-7, 265-pound TE, who can block and run a 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds, slipped until the third round was health issues with his knees.

Washington was as surprised as anyone during his draft day dialogue and even more surprised when he found out it was because of his knee problems.

“It previewed the best there is and I’m there. Since I'm 33, they placed me 33rd best available. Then the next one is like 80, so I'm like, 'Damn, I've been on the board for a long time,'” Washington said on the Arthur Moats Experience With Deke podcast. “Back then they were like Darnell Washington, knee problems and things like that. But for me this was a surprise because in college I had a freshman year as a knee scope player, but other than that I didn't miss any games above my knees.

“I attended the combine and pro day. If I had two knee problems, I would have done one or the other. So I did both. I'm like, 'Man, I never had any knee problems when I was out there.' I don't know where they got that information from.”

I can draw on a lot of reports from that era, such as Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo saying the Steelers drafted Washington knowing he would likely never get a second contract. Or ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler relaying information from an anonymous scout that says knee problems have “affected” Washington's draft stock.

As recently as January, Post-Gazette insider Gerry Dulac told the Steelers that they had their “fingers crossed” about drafting Washington, adding that he still had those concerns.

Washington has never missed a game in his NFL career. During his rookie season, he appeared in all 17 games and played 511 snaps on offense. He has played in all six games this year, logging 220 snaps. He was primarily used as a blocker, but his role as a receiver began to expand in his second year.

After just seven receptions on 10 targets last year, Washington already has seven targets and six receptions this year. He even had his first NFL touchdown. Oh yes, and The Game in which he crossed a defender. This certainly doesn't look like a player who has long-term knee problems.

Judging by his continued health, his lack of issues despite playing extensively, and his increasing involvement in the passing game, it appears these health concerns have been overblown.