A few weeks ago, we talked about the Panthers’ lack of a true playmaking tight end. Players like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Darren Waller, and Zach Ertz draw important mismatches and are crucial to the success of their respective offenses. We have already discussed what Florida’s Kyle Pitts can bring to the NFL. Now, let’s take a look at the other top-tier tight end in this class with a much different play style: Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth.
Profile:
6-foot-5, 255 pounds
Projected 40 yard dash: 4.60 seconds
Freiermuth is as well-rounded of a tight end as they come. Everything this guy does is technically sound, whether it’s blocking assignments, route running, or focusing in at the catch point. For his size, Freiermuth is a great athlete. He could be a bit faster and more twitchy in short space, but the guy is 255 pounds. When you put on his film and see just how big and bulky he is, you start to realize that he is actually a freak athlete for his size. His Penn State teammates dubbed him “Baby Gronk” due to his resemblance, physically and the way he plays, to Rob Gronkowski.
Overall, Freiermuth is a huge mismatch that defenses need to account for. Penn State consistently lines him up outside down around the goal line, one-on-one against safeties or linebackers, and Freiermuth wins the jump ball nearly every time. He does such a great job of using his body and incredibly strong hands to position himself in a perfect way to make a contested catch. The other trait that scouts love about Freiermuth is that he runs hard with the ball in his hands. There is no running out of bounds on his tape, just lowering the shoulder and picking up every inch possible. Pairing him in an offense like the Panthers’ with three or four other playmakers could result in nightmares for defensive coordinators. Look for Freiermuth to make immediate impact at the next level wherever he’s drafted, though.
Highlights
Freiermuth vs. Michigan State
Freiermuth vs. Rutgers
Freiermuth vs. Ohio State
How he compares:
Florida’s Kyle Pitts is the only other tight end in this class that has a chance at being selected before Friermuth. Both players are tremendous mismatches. However, Freiermuth fits the mold of a more stereotypical tight end and is a much better blocker than Pitts will ever be. The first one off the board is likely going to depend on combine testing and scheme fits.
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