4 prospects the Steelers must trade up for in second round
By Andrew Falce
Pat Freiermuth
Besides center, one of the Steelers top needs is a capable number two tight end that can develop into a number one tight end. While Eric Ebron will be the starter this season, it seems likely he is gone next year. With no current in-house option capable of becoming a starter, the team will likely have to draft one. Luckily for them, Pat Freiermuth would fit the mold of a more complete tight end.
Freiermuth isn’t the receiving threat that Kyle Pitts is, but he has a more well-rounded game. He can make the tough combative catches, score in the red zone, and chip in as a blocker. While not the complete tight end that Heath Miller was, he has that kind of a vibe to him. Not an elite athlete or receiver, he does the tough and gritty work and can provide a security blanket for whoever is throwing him the ball.
The issue is, Freiermuth is seemingly the next best tight end prospect in this class. With so many teams needing a capable tight end, there is a good chance Freiermuth doesn’t make it to pick 55. If he continues to slide down the board, the Steelers should look to move up for him. This shouldn’t be a drastic move up, but if he slides past say pick 45, it could be a good time to go up and get him. He would slot in as the backup and blocker year one while he develops and then takes over as the starter next season.