Pittsburgh Steelers draft Pat Freiermuth, adding more weapons early

With the 55th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers made another offensive addition in tight end Pat Freiermuth. Many thought the Steelers would address the offensive line in the second round to fill some holes and add to a group that struggled last year.

Instead, the Pittsburgh Steelers add more weapons to go alongside their first pick, Najee Harris, to give Ben Roethlisberger more targets to throw to. Freiermuth had some injuries that may have dropped his stock, but this is a big-time target out of Penn State who could make an immediate impact in the Steel City.

Pat Friermuth is a big tight end who was given the nickname Baby Gronk at Penn State standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 251 pounds. Friermuth showed a great catch radius at Penn State and was a go-to weapon in the red zone because of his big frame. Pat Friermuth did not have much production this season due to injury, but he really stood out in 2018 and 2019 and had 92 receptions, 1185 yards, and 16 touchdowns during his three seasons at Penn State. The Steelers hope he can fill the role of Vance McDonald to play alongside Eric Ebron this season.

A tight end was not a major need for the Steelers, but this draft is filled with a great offensive line class. They can improve their group up front later. Also, Eric Ebron’s contract does expire after the 2021 season and he is getting older. Pittsburgh snags Pat Freiermuth here with the idea of him being their starting tight end of the future.

However, Freiermuth will be used as a secondary player as a rookie and will likely be considered a blocking tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This pick makes a lot of sense because of the loss of McDonald this offseason. Pat Freiermuth is an extremely talented player who can come in and make an immediate impact for this team, even if it is in a relatively limited role.