Steelers Scouting Profile: Is Pat Freiermuth the next Heath?

The Steelers are facing some long-term issues at tight end, so adding Freiermuth early could set this team up for success down the road.

While the Steelers will roll with Eric Ebron as their starter next season, there are questions behind him as well as what the team will do long term at the position. Unfortunately, this draft class is top-heavy at tight end, and there aren’t many strong contenders past the top two options. Pat Freiermuth is the only realistic option if the Steelers want to secure a starting tight end in this draft class.

Here is a breakdown and draft profile for Freiermuth.

Metrics

6’5, 251 lbs

2020 stats: 23 receptions, 310 yards, 1 score

Tape studied: Nebraska, Ohio St. (2019), Michigan (2019)

Freiermuth didn’t shock too many people at his pro day. His size was slightly below what he was listed at while playing at Penn St. but it shouldn’t be a major talking point. An inch shorter and ten pounds lighter isn’t much of a concern. Due to a nagging injury, Freiermuth didn’t participate in any physical testing, but he did run routes and catch passes. Honestly, based on his tape, not running some of the speed drills will probably benefit him.

His 2020 season failed to match what he had done in previous years. Much of that was due to health though, as he only ended up playing in four out of nine games this year. That considered, his stats were well in line with what he normally put up. That said, his scoring opportunities dipped, which is another slight ding on his 2020 play. This shouldn’t prevent the Steelers from targeting Freiermuth though.