4 Steelers rookies with unrealistic expectations in 2021

Pat Freiermuth

Let’s be clear before going into this: Pat Freiermuth was a good pick in the second round and long term he should be counted on as being the starter next season. The issue right now is that the rumor is circling that the Steelers are set to move forward with Eric Ebron as the reserve tight end and Freiermuth as the starter this season. Despite Ebron’s struggles last season, he should comfortably be counted on to be the starter.

While Ebron isn’t a perfect player, he proved to be a fine receiving weapon for the Steelers last season. Ben Roethlisberger used him as a safety valve, and it should be expected that he resumes that role this year. On the other side of things, rookie tight ends usually need a season or two before really hitting their stride. Freiermuth will likely be no different, as his first season as a pro will likely not be anything to write home about.

Will Freiermuth see the field as a rookie? Of course, and if I had to guess he will likely see a similar number of snaps as Vance McDonald did last season (in the 40-45 percent realm) and at his best put up a rookie season similar to Cole Kmet. That said, he won’t be the starter unless an injury occurs and his overall production in his rookie year won’t be anything extravagant.