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Of the nine picks the Pittsburgh Steelers made, none will be more scrutinized going forward than the team’s decision to take former Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft instead of drafting help along the offensive line.
But let’s take a look at Freiermuth as a player and where he fits on the team. Here is Freiermuth’s scouting report from the NFL Network site.
Big, athletic tight end with the potential to be a combo player at the position, helping as a run blocker and pass catcher. Freiermuth needs to tighten up his technique as a run blocker but his foot quickness and agility led to some splashy recoveries and block finishes that foreshadow his future potential. He’s athletic and has good build-up speed down the seam to attack the second level. However, he’s average in separating underneath. Will need to do a better job of accessing his basketball background and putting a body on defenders to “block out” and create space for the throw. He’ll need to have his season-ending injury vetted, but he has Day 2 talent for teams looking to bolster their 12 personnel package or add production from their Y tight end.
I think this is a very fair evaluation of Freiermuth and what he brings to the table. He is not Baby Gronk, he is not the next Heath Miller but he’s a good player.
Where does he fit on the depth chart? He isn’t going to supplant Eric Ebron on the depth chart this season but he could end up being the guy who replaces Ebron after this season when he hits free agency. But for this year, Freiermuth should be the guy who affords the team the confidence to run more 12-personnel and perhaps even expand the passing offense to including the tight end position more prominently.
Will Freiermuth ever be an elite NFL tight end? That remains to be seen but you have to hope new offensive coordinator Matt Canada has a plan.
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