4 Pittsburgh Steelers who are next in line to be Pro Bowl players
By Tommy Jaggi
2. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Pat Freiermuth has had some injury setbacks early in his career, as he has recorded two concussions and sprained his knee in the final game of the season in 2022. When healthy, however, it’s clear that he was on a Pro Bowl track.
Despite missing a game and exiting the contest early in several others, Freiermuth recorded 5 games of at least 75 receiving yards — an impressive mark at the tight end position. Though he wasn’t as successful in the red zone as he was during his rookie year, that dominance in paydirt is expected to come back with more chemistry between him and QB Kenny Pickett.
Entering Week 16, Freiermuth was the 2nd-highest-ranked tight end in the NFL next to only Travis Kelce, according to Pro Football Focus. Over the final two games, he was barely targeted and his grade ultimately settled in as the 7th-best among tight ends in 2022.
Freiermuth isn’t an elite athlete, but he’s a smooth and natural football player who can dominate at the catch point and run through defenders after the catch. With a bit more volume and better injury luck, Pat Freiermuth could find himself in the Pro Bowl in no time.