Since we are in the NFL offseason and training camp is almost underway, it is always interesting to make predictions and analyze current athletes and how their offseason work is going. Some players are bound to have a breakout season while others may take a step back.

This first segment will feature Pat Freiermuth, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 25-year-old tight end from the 2021 NFL Draft.

Recently, SCN’s very own Dave Schofield wrote an article titled: ‘The Curious Case of the Steelers 2021 Draft Class’ in which he mentioned how strange it was that the athletes within that draft class were used so early and often, but now may not be in the organization’s future plans. Freiermuth’s future hinges on improved production and staying healthy.

With a new offensive scheme and leader in Arthur Smith, not only will Freiermuth be given an ample amount of opportunities to showcase his blocking and receiving abilities, but it is also a fresh chance for him to show the team what he is worth. Smith’s offense caters to tight ends and has a strong emphasis on establishing a running game. This is a perfect marriage between a fourth year tight end trying to solidify a future within the team and a new offensive coordinator who is looking for talented stars to run his offense with.

A few weeks ago, ESPN wrote an article discussing each NFL team’s surprise standout players during their spring mini camps. For Pittsburgh, reporter and analyst Brooke Pryor discussed Freiermuth and how he is bound for a breakout season.

Arthur Smith’s offense is a tight end’s dream, and it’s already waking up Freiermuth from a nightmare of a 2023 season. Hampered by a nagging hamstring injury and playing in a disjointed offense, Freiermuth had a career-low 32 catches for 308 yards, less than half of his output from 2022. But the 2021 second-round pick is poised for a resurgence with a new quarterback and offensive coordinator, and he showed early signs of good chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson through offseason workouts. The Steelers don’t have a solid WR2 option, but that might not matter as much if Freiermuth continues on the kind of upward trajectory he established this offseason. (Pryor, 2024).  

A resurgence as Pryor mentioned could be on the horizon for Freiermuth as we head into 2024.

While many Steelers fans still can’t get over the fact that the team selected him in the second round in 2021 when a few other notable athletes were still on the draft board, it is time to move past that. There must be hope that he can not only stay healthy, but also provide key blocking and splash plays when his name is called upon within this new Steelers offensive scheme. A fresh start is much needed and Freiermuth could be the one that benefits the most.

Career Numbers and My Prediction for 2024: 

2021: 60 Receptions, 497 Yards, 8.3 Average, 7 TDs

2022: 63 Receptions, 732 Yards, 11.6 Average, 2 TDs

2023: 32 Receptions, 308 Yards, 9.6 Average, 2 TDs

My Prediction: 

2024: 57 Receptions for 650 Yards, 11.4 Average, 4 Touchdowns.

In the comment section below, feel free to give your prediction and the reason behind it. Also, do you think Freiermuth will have a breakout season in Pittsburgh under the near offensive leadership and scheme of Arthur Smith? Why or why not.