The Pittsburgh Steelers have many reasons to be excited about the upcoming season. Despite several changes taking place on defense, the most noticeable difference for this year’s team is the quarterback spot.
Future Hall of Fame man Aaron Rodgers is tasked with leading the organization to the promised land. As they attempt to get back to the postseason for the third year in a row, one of his skill position groups projects to factor into progress in a major way.
No, it isn’t running back. It isn’t wide receiver, either.
It’s tight end. Allow Rodgers to explain.
Aaron Rodgers Has Tremendous Praise for Steelers’ Tight End Rotation
Speaking to the media ahead of Week 1, Rodgers dropped some huge praise on Pittsburgh’s combo of tight ends. He believes this is the top collective he’s had in over two decades in the NFL.
“I think it’s the best tight end room that I’ve been around in 21 years, because you have four extremely capable guys,” Rodgers said. “We had different runs at Green Bay where we had some great players, but just the depth that we have here, with four guys who you feel great about having on-field at any time. They all have different skill sets they bring to the table.”
To Rodgers’ point, there is a nice mix of talent and proven production here. At the top of the depth chart, both Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith are enticing players. That duo should allow the Steelers to run more 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) after ranking 12th a year ago per SumerSports.
The former is coming off a full season with career-highs in receptions (65) and touchdowns (7). He also posted his highest success rate (62.8%) since entering the league as a second-round pick in 2022. He’s excited for the year. The latter just broke out with the Miami Dolphins and made the Pro Bowl after hauling in 88 passes for 884 yards and 8 touchdowns. He was acquired via trade this offseason.
There’s also intriguing depth. Both Darnell Washington and hybrid piece Connor Heyward can factor into the game plan throughout the season.
Rodgers Singles Out Darnell Washington Ahead of Season
Washington, in particular, sticks out as a fun player in Rodgers’ mind. He thinks the veteran tight end’s blend of size and athleticism makes him a unique piece.
“I can’t even say who’s the most impressive, maybe the biggest guy in the room [Washington], because of how many things he can do down the field in the passing game,” Rodgers said. “You know, there was a lot of conversation about, is he in the right position? The other day, we had a practice during that week before the four days off, and I threw him a bunch of balls in the red zone, and I was just thinking to myself, ‘He’s definitely in the right position.’ He’s so big and so athletic — for a man of that size to be that skilled in the passing game is pretty impressive. Not to mention what he does on the line of scrimmage.”
Listed at 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds, Washington is a premier blocking threat. He can also do a bit in the passing game, as evidenced by his 19 grabs for 200 yards and a score last year in Pittsburgh. Heyward has stuck around the organization since joining as a sixth-round pick in 2022. He can line up out wide (in spurts), inline or as a fullback.
There’s plenty to go around in terms of skill. That’s music to Rodgers’ ears as year one as a Steeler — and year 21 in the league — soon launches.
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