Summary

Pat Freiermuth was selected in the 2nd Round (#55 Overall) of the 2021 Draft out of Penn State University. Freiermuth brings a polished, dependable skill‑set as a tight end. His strengths include strong hands, good route‑running, positional versatility, and solid blocking for his size. His main limitations stem from less elite athleticism, somewhat limited separation and RAC explosiveness, and situational blocking match‑ups where he may not overpower every opponent. Overall, he is a high‑value player who fills multiple roles effectively—and with incremental development, can be a very impactful tight end for his team.

Strengths

• Reliable hands and contested‑catch ability: He excels at making catches in traffic, high‑pointing the ball, and using his size to win in contested situations. Gridiron Experts

• Route‑running proficiency and body control: Although he is not the fastest tight end, Freiermuth uses technique, leverage, and body positioning effectively—especially in the intermediate part of the field. Sharp Football Analysis

• Versatility in alignment and role: He has lined up inline, in the slot, and as a wing. He can be used as both a receiver and as a blocker, giving his team schematic flexibility.

• Solid inline blocking for a receiving tight end: While blocking is not elite, he does a credible job as an inline blocker, especially for a tight end more oriented toward receiving. Sharp Football Analysis

Weaknesses

• Top‑end athleticism and separation vs elite defenders: He is not among the tight ends with elite speed or quickness. Some evaluators noted he “lacks top‑end juice” and can struggle to consistently separate from press coverage or tight man coverage. Sharp Football Analysis

• Run‑after‑catch (RAC) explosiveness: While he can break tackles and gain extra yards, he is less likely to turn short gains into long break‑away plays compared to the more athletic tight ends. Gridiron Experts

• Blocking against elite defenders / physical mismatch moments: Although competent as a blocker, some reports suggest he is not a dominant road‑grader in blocking—in certain heavy sets or against elite edge rushers he may be neutralized. CBS Sports

• Consistency in role and utilization: There are times when his snap share or target volume dips; in some schemes he may be more of a complementary piece rather than the focal tight end every down. Behind the Steel Curtain

Projection & Role

Freiermuth projects as a strong starting tight end with a reliable two‑way skill set (passing game + inline blocking). His best fit is within an offense that uses the tight end both as a receiving threat and as a blocker (balanced TE role) and doesn’t demand him to be the most athletic mismatch tight end on every play, but instead as a dependable target and technician. If he continues to refine his release, expand his role in the short‑area quick game, and improve explosiveness after the catch, his ceiling could be as one of the more complete tight ends in the league. If not, he still offers significant value as a reliable starter though perhaps without the ultra‑high ceiling of the “elite mismatch” TEs.