Recently, EA released the player ratings for Madden 24. Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was placed at an 85 overall. This ranks him as the 8th best at his position, right ahead of division rival David Njoku.
This raises numerous questions for Steeler fans. Is this rating fair? How high can Freiermuth rise before the end of the season? What are the long term possibilities for Freiermuth?
Madden did raise Freiermuth’s rating six overall points from where he began in 2022, but is it enough? Freiermuth proved himself as one of the leagues best tight ends in 2022 and his stock skyrocketed. PFF rated the upcoming star as their 6th best tight end.
Pro Football Focus also placed the tight ends into different tiers to further separate them. Freiermuth was in the second tier titled, “Great with potential to become elite.” One spot below him in this tier was former Florida Gator Kyle Pitts, who Madden rated at an 87.
The following “Good but needs pieces to be great” tier included names like aforementioned David Njoku and Evan Engram, who both earned 84 overall ratings in Madden. Surprisingly, Darren Waller was placed outside of the top 10 at the 11 spot. Madden ranked Waller as the 7th best tight end, one spot above Freiermuth.
In short, it is nice to see Freiermuth get some of the respect he deserves. Although, he probably deserves a slight boost.
In 2022, Freiermuth continued to build on his amazing rookie campaign. While his touchdown count saw some decrease, his gained almost 300 more yards totaling over 700 receiving yards. Where he improved the most though is with his blocking. In the running game, the Steelers trusted Freiermuth much more.
Look for Freiermuth to possibly lead the Steelers in touchdown receptions in 2023. He was second on the team in his rookie campaign with seven. Nobody on the team had more than four in 2022. Freiermuth is a massive redzone threat with good hands. With the right play calling, there is no reason he shouldn’t have at least five.
The most important role for Pat Freiermuth is to serve as a security blanket for Kenny Pickett. While this is hard to quantify with stats, it is vital for the development of the young QB. In his rookie season, Pickett had some growing pains throwing nine interceptions and only seven touchdowns. Hopefully, Freiermuth can help add to the touchdown number, and reduce the interceptions by being the backup option when Pickett gets into trouble.
As Pro Football Focus claimed, Freiermuth has the potential to be elite. With the past generation of elite tight ends hitting the later stages of their career, he is primed to jump to the top of the league.
Freiermuth has all of the talent needed to become a top five tight end. He is an above average blocker. He runs good routes. The athletic talent is not lacking at all. His best ability is clearly his hands. Any one of these traits could progress to an elite level. If they do, Freiermuth will cement himself as a top threat at the position.
Many Steeler fans hope Freiermuth can be what Heath Miller was for so many years. Given his athleticism and skill, Freiermuth could easily fulfil on that wish, if not do much more.
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Feature image courtesy of Steelers.com
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