Ben Roethlisberger will once again remain a constant in the Pittsburgh Steelers offense in 2021 as the 39-year-old returns for his 18th NFL season, but there will be some notable changes surrounding the veteran quarterback. The Steelers made Matt Canada their offensive coordinator this offseason, and Pittsburgh used its first four picks in the 2021 NFL Draft on offensive players, including first-round running back Najee Harris.
Former Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth was the second of those four picks on offense. The Steelers made him the No. 55 overall pick in the second round, and the team followed through on the interest it showed in him at Penn State’s Pro Day and during the pre-draft process.
And with Freiermuth getting his first taste of Canada’s offense at rookie minicamp over the weekend, the big-bodied tight end feels that he can bring plenty to the offense for Roethlisberger for his teammates, whether it’s blocking or lining up split wide, in the slot or in the backfield.
“I think I can do it all,” Freiermuth told reporters Friday. “That’s kind of the prospect I was. I was just kind of making sure that I’m very versatile and can do it all on the field and whatever’s asked, lining up at the fullback position or split out to that ‘X’ or ‘Z’ receiver. So I’m ready to do whatever they ask me to do, and I’m just excited to see my progression in this offense.”
Freiermuth enters the NFL with the reputation of a top-level red-zone threat. His 6-foot-5, 258-pound frame makes him a big target, and he has the athleticism to make plays on the ball. For some he’s reminiscent of current Bucs and former Patriots star Rob Gronkowski, though Freiermuth expressed his urge to shed his “Baby Gronk” nickname.
Freiermuth caught 16 touchdowns during his time with the Lions, and he was sure-handed in the game’s biggest spots.
“That’s true. Never dropped a pass in the red zone,” Freiermuth said. “That’s where plays are there for the taking, and you get very limited opportunities down there so when I got my number called and everything like that, I want to make the most of it, so the red zone’s the time to lock in and score some points and get touchdowns.”
Freiermuth and one-time Pro Bowler Eric Ebron could give Pittsburgh a tight end duo that can create plenty of mismatches for opposing defenses. The 6-foot-4, 253-pound Ebron caught 56 passes for 558 yards and five touchdowns in his first year with the Steelers in 2020. Freiermuth thinks they can be complements.
Right now, Freiermuth’s job is to get up to speed. He said Roethlisberger reached out and was taking Freiermuth, Harris and third-round pick Kendrick Green, an offensive lineman, out to dinner over the weekend.
Freiermuth said he remembered watching Roethlisberger when he was growing up, and now as teammates, his job is to fit in and help the offense evolve. And Freiermuth believes Canada’s system is the right place to make that happen.
“I love my fit. I think it’s perfect,” Freiermuth said. “I’m very happy that I’m here in Pittsburgh, and the offense is awesome. I think it’s very complex, and I think it’s going to utilize the talent we have on this roster. From my first walk through today, felt great, felt like I understand most of what’s going on.”
Daniel Gallen covers Penn State for PennLive. He can be reached at dgallen@pennlive.com. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Follow PennLive’s Penn State coverage on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
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May 18, 2021 at 01:46AM
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Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth wants to show versatility with Steelers: ‘I think I can do it all’ - PennLive
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