Darnell Washington: Hand Size| 40 Time| Bench Press| Weight

Introduction

Darnell Washington is not just another tight end in the NFL — he is a physical specimen whose raw athleticism and physical attributes have caught the eyes of fans, scouts, and analysts alike. Standing tall with an imposing frame, Washington blends size, strength, and speed to dominate on the football field. Whether you’re a fan, a fantasy football enthusiast, or a scouting analyst, understanding his athletic metrics like hand size, 40 time, bench press, and weight provides critical insight into his potential impact on the game.

This article dives deep into Darnell Washington’s measurements and performance at the NFL Combine and how these stats contribute to his value as a professional tight end.

Who is Darnell Washington?

Before analyzing his physical stats, let’s briefly explore who Darnell Washington is.

Born on August 17, 2002, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Darnell Washington played college football at the University of Georgia. Known for his blocking ability and receiving skills, Washington was a key player for the Bulldogs, helping them secure back-to-back national championships.

He declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (93rd overall pick). His combination of size and athleticism immediately made him a player to watch in the NFL.

Darnell Washington’s Hand Size

How Big Are Darnell Washington’s Hands?

• Hand Size: 11 inches

Yes, you read that right. Darnell Washington’s hand size measured 11 inches at the 2023 NFL Combine — one of the largest among all prospects that year and among tight ends in general.

Why Hand Size Matters for Tight Ends

Hand size is a crucial metric for players who catch the football. Larger hands allow for better grip and control of the ball, especially in tough weather conditions. For tight ends like Washington, who are expected to make contested catches and hold onto the ball in traffic, 11-inch hands are a major advantage.

In comparison:

• The average NFL tight end has a hand size of around 9.5 to 10 inches.

• Rob Gronkowski, one of the best tight ends of all time, has 10.75-inch hands.

With Washington’s 11-inch hands, he joins the elite ranks in terms of physical traits.

Darnell Washington’s 40-Yard Dash Time

What is Darnell Washington’s 40 Time?

• 40-Yard Dash Time: 4.64 seconds

At the 2023 NFL Combine, Darnell Washington clocked a 4.64-second 40-yard dash. For someone who weighs over 260 pounds and stands 6’7″ tall, that is an incredible feat of athleticism.

Why the 40 Time Matters for Tight Ends

The 40-yard dash measures straight-line speed, which is important for evaluating a player’s ability to:

• Beat defenders down the field

• Run after the catch (YAC)

• Separate on seam routes and verticals

In context:

• Travis Kelce: 4.61 seconds

• George Kittle: 4.52 seconds

• Kyle Pitts: 4.44 seconds

While Washington is not the fastest, his 4.64-second time is still top-tier for his size and showcases his explosiveness.

Darnell Washington’s Bench Press Reps

How Many Bench Press Reps Did Darnell Washington Do?

• Bench Press Reps (225 lbs): 21 reps

Strength and upper-body power are vital for tight ends, especially when blocking defensive linemen and linebackers. Washington’s 21 reps at 225 pounds highlight his functional strength and training discipline.

Bench Press Importance in Evaluations

Bench press reps are used to measure:

• Upper-body strength

• Endurance under strain

• Raw physical power

NFL average reps for tight ends: 18–22

So, Darnell Washington’s 21 reps place him right at the upper end of the average, reaffirming that he is not only tall and fast but also strong and durable.

Darnell Washington’s Weight

How Much Does Darnell Washington Weigh?

• Weight: 264 pounds

Darnell Washington weighed in at 264 lbs during the NFL Combine, a weight that reflects his dominant physical presence without compromising agility or mobility.

How Does His Weight Compare to Other NFL Tight Ends?

Washington’s weight is on par with Gronkowski, which is significant because it speaks to his NFL-ready frame and blocking capabilities. He’s big enough to act like an offensive tackle in the run game while still being mobile enough to run routes.

Darnell Washington NFL Combine Summary

Athletic Comparison to NFL Tight Ends

While Washington may not have tested as freakishly athletic as Kyle Pitts or Vernon Davis, he offers a rare blend of size, strength, and above-average speed, which makes him a matchup nightmare for smaller defensive backs and even some linebackers.

Strengths:

• Huge catch radius due to size and arm length

• Excellent blocker in both pass protection and run support

• Powerful hands and upper body strength

• Functional athleticism for his weight

Weaknesses:

• Route running still developing

• Not as explosive off the line as lighter TEs

Darnell Washington’s Role with the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have high hopes for Darnell Washington. While Pat Freiermuth remains their primary receiving tight end, Washington’s size gives them flexibility to run two-tight-end sets.

Expected Usage:

• Red zone target due to size advantage

• Inline blocking for Najee Harris in the run game

• Occasional deep seam route target

• Pass protection on 3rd downs

With his rare 11-inch hands and 6’7″ frame, he’s tailor-made for contested catches and tough blocks — a true dual-threat tight end.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

NFL analysts have often referred to Washington as an “offensive tackle with the hands of a tight end.” His combine performance raised eyebrows, and his one-handed catches during drills even went viral on social media.

Scouting Report Quotes:

“Looks like a cyborg on the field.”
“Best blocking tight end in this draft class.”
“Raw but with All-Pro potential.”

Fantasy Football Impact

While Darnell Washington may not be a fantasy stud immediately due to a crowded tight end room, his red zone presence and blocking ability ensure he’ll be on the field a lot. In dynasty leagues, he’s a sleeper pick with long-term TE1 upside, especially if the Steelers evolve his role.

Training Regimen and Physical Discipline

To maintain his massive frame and still move like a smaller athlete, Washington follows a strict:

• Nutrition Plan: High-protein, clean carbs, low sugar

• Strength Training: Emphasis on compound lifts and functional strength

• Mobility Work: Yoga, dynamic stretching to prevent injuries

• Recovery Routine: Cryotherapy, massages, and sleep optimization

It’s clear that his bench press performance and 40 time are no accident—they’re the result of intense discipline.

Final Thoughts

Darnell Washington is one of the most physically imposing tight ends to enter the NFL in recent years. His 11-inch hand size, 4.64 40-yard dash, 21 reps on the bench press, and 264-pound frame make him a rare breed of athlete capable of shifting the dynamics of any offense.

While he may not have the route-running polish of other tight ends yet, his potential is through the roof. With the right development in Pittsburgh, he could become a dominant force in both the run game and passing attack.

If you’re a fan of the NFL, keep your eyes on Darnell Washington — his career is just getting started, and with his tools, he could very well be a future Pro Bowler.

FAQs

1. What is Darnell Washington’s arm length?

His arm length is 34.5 inches, contributing to his massive catch radius.

2. Is Darnell Washington faster than Travis Kelce?

Slightly slower — Kelce ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash, while Washington ran 4.64.

3. What position does Darnell Washington play?

He plays tight end, primarily as an inline blocker and occasional receiver.

4. How tall is Darnell Washington?

He is 6 feet 7 inches tall.

5. What team drafted Darnell Washington?

He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.