5 of the Steelers best moves during the 2021 NFL offseason

Steelers drafted Freiermuth

While Eric Ebron is firmly entrenched as the starting tight end, the Steelers had both short- and long-term question marks surrounding this group. Entering the draft, the team had no clear number two option to play behind. Had the team not targeted a tight end early, more than likely the team would have been forced to find a veteran free agent. While there are some intriguing names on the market, none of them would be ideal second-string players.

Luckily, Pat Freiermuth fell to the Steelers in the second round of the draft. While he isn’t the unique prospect that Kyle Pitts is, nor is he the receiving threat that Ebron currently is, but he has legitimate starting potential. Freiermuth is more of a complete tight end though, and his physical nature and upside as a blocker make him a potential starter as early as next year.

The best thing about this situation is that tight ends usually have a harsh curve when going pro. While adjusting this season, he can serve as the top backup and blocking tight end with little pressure for him to be a top receiving threat. Next year, with Ebron likely out the door, Freiermuth can step in as the complete starter. He was good value in the second and his long-term value can be as a complete starter.