Pat Freiermuth is the number two tight end in this draft class and for good reason. He’s earned the nickname ‘Baby Gronk’ for his playstyle and you’ll see why in his highlights. He’ll be a really good tight end at the next level.
Stats
2018: 26 Rec, 368 yards, 8 TDs
2019: 43 Rec, 507 yards, 7 TDs
2020: 23 Rec, 310 yards, 1 TD (4 games played)
Strengths
He’s a very big body and he uses it extremely well. He’s a solid blocker. Nothing too special, but he’ll get the job done most of the time. He’s got really good hands and is somehow always open despite not being very fast. Loves taking on contact after the catch and will run people over. Good in the play-action game at getting open.
Weaknesses
He’s not fast. That’s really the only knock on him. Some people also don’t think he’s a good run blocker. I, personally, disagree. Other than that you’re going to get a really solid all-around tight end.
Scheme Fit: Play Action offense
Penn State ran a lot of play-action that would get him open in the flats and that’s where he would do his damage. It’s best to get the defense moving in the wrong direction because he won’t be burning anyone.
Player Comparison: Jason Witten pre-catch, Gronk post-catch
He reminds me a lot of Jason Witten in how he gets open and just moves the chains with short routes. After he catches it though, he is a bruiser like Gronk, willing to do anything to get some more yards.
Draft Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars (2/1)
The Jags have a lot of great skill positions for Trevor Lawrence to use, but a tight end like Freiermuth would be exactly what this offense needs.