4 biggest beneficiaries if Steelers select Malik Willis

2. Pat Freiermuth

In his rookie season, Pat Freiermuth flashed elite potential at the tight end position, and that could be just the tip of the iceberg. Despite splitting time with Eric Ebron in the early portion of the season, Freiermuth established himself as an elite red-zone threat and third-down target, who was the clear top tight end on the team. According to Pro Football Reference, he caught 60 passes for 497 yards and 7 touchdowns in his rookie season

This should be no different next season as the Penn State product’s big frame should be an easy target for a rookie quarterback or a bridge quarterback to target as a security blanket. He will once again likely become potentially the top option in the passing game on third downs and in the red zone.

If it’s Willis or a different rookie under center, Freiermuth can quickly form a connection with his rookie signal-caller to form a connection similar to the one Ben Roethlisberger had with Heath Miller for so many years. If it is Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins under center, they also will lean heavily on Freiermuth, as the team will likely be run-centric and looking to attack the middle of the field.

While Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool figure to be heavily involved in the offense, and rightfully so, the tight end is the security blanket, and thus whatever young quarterback is under center will likely lean on Freirmuth whenever he’s in a key situation, or under duress.