Emerging as a Key Contributor
Steelers insider Brooke Pryor has predicted that tight end Pat Freiermuth will step up and become the team’s de facto second wide receiver in the upcoming season. Pryor cites Freiermuth’s impressive rookie campaign and the team’s lack of a clear-cut No. 2 wideout behind Diontae Johnson.
Impressive Rookie Season
Freiermuth caught 56 passes for 598 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie in 2021. He displayed excellent pass-catching skills, strong blocking ability, and a knack for finding open spaces in the defense. His breakout performance in Week 13 against the Ravens, where he hauled in six passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns, showcased his potential.
Filling a Need in the Wide Receiver Corps
The Steelers currently lack a consistent and reliable second wide receiver option. Chase Claypool has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with drops and inconsistency. Juju Smith-Schuster departed in free agency, leaving a significant void in the team’s passing attack.
Versatility and Potential
Freiermuth’s versatility makes him an ideal candidate to fill the role of a second wideout. He can line up in-line, in the slot, or even out wide. His ability to block and run routes effectively gives the Steelers offense a different dimension and allows them to create mismatches in coverage.
Conclusion
With his impressive rookie season and the team’s need for a reliable second wide receiver, Brooke Pryor’s prediction that Pat Freiermuth will emerge as the Steelers’ de facto second wideout is certainly plausible. Freiermuth has the talent, versatility, and potential to take on this role and become a key contributor to the team’s passing attack.
Outlook for the Season
If Freiermuth can continue to develop and build on his impressive rookie campaign, he has the potential to be one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL. His emergence as a second wideout would give the Steelers a much-needed boost to their offense and make them a more formidable threat in the passing game.
Kind regards
J. Brown
