James Washington trying to match Antonio Brown’s work ethic will equal success for the Steelers

If there’s one wide receiver in the NFL whose work ethic you’d want to emulate, it would be Antonio Brown.

Plain and simple, no one outworks the Steelers’ wide receiver, and it shows on game days.

But second-round pick James Washington, wide receiver from Oklahoma State, is doing his best to keep up with Brown’s work ethic — knowing it’ll pay dividends in the long run.

“Every time we are on the field I try to match his work ethic. We have a GPS and I want mine right up there with his every day.” Washington told Teresa Varley of the Steelers official website.

Has Brown taken Washington under his wing and showed him the ropes?

“He hasn’t worked with me one-on-one but, just watching him, I have already picked up a few things,” said Washington. “His character on the field. The way he runs his routes, he’s so crisp and elite with every move he makes.”

“I don’t really ask many questions,” said Washington. “I try to learn — that way I don’t have to be told over and over.”

Washington knows work ethic, and watching Brown’s every move will only make him that much better.

When Washington was asked about the difference between rookie minicamp and the first round of OTAs when the veterans were present, it’s night and day.

“It’s a lot faster from what I’m used to. Just being out here with these guys, I’m getting better every day.”

Not that he’s without some mistakes this early in his professional career.

“It’s been pretty good. I’m getting better each day,” said Washington. “I had a few mental errors, but that’s a rookie for you. I’m just watching the veterans and learning, getting mental reps.”

Washington could be asked to do a lot of what he did in college, and become a big-time deep threat for the Steelers this season. When the team traded Martavis Bryant to the Oakland Raiders during the 2018 NFL Draft, the ability to take the top off a defense is certainly something Washington can add to an offense which should be brimming with talent for another year.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Black-and-gold as they prepare for the 2018 regular season.