It’s not every year that there is a potential generational talent at any given position, let alone at Tight End. Kyle Pitts is arguably the best offensive player in the entire draft, and he’s consistently talked about in the top-5 overall picks of this 2021 NFL Draft.
Because of all the buzz surrounding Pitts, though, there’s an extremely talented player flying under the radar. Freiermuth has the potential to make a huge impact in the league, and he’s not being talked about at all in league circles simply because of who else is in this class. Any other year, Freiermuth would be the consensus TE1.
NFL offenses are constantly searching for the next Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Rob Gronkowski, etc. Pitts profiles as a different athlete, but Freiermuth has the chance of making a similar type of impact to one of the aforementioned players.
What makes Freiermuth a special player, though? Is he someone worth considering drafting in your rookie drafts?
These questions are answered here in our scouting profile on Pat Freiermuth.
Check out the rest of our 2021 NFL Draft prospect profiles 
Pat Freiermuth (TE – Penn State)
Vital Statistics
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 251 lbs.
Arms: 32 1/2
College Statistics
Check out Pat Freiermuth’s detailed college stats here
Skills Legend
| 80+ | Generational Talent |
| 79 | Top-10 Skill |
| 78 | First-Round Skill |
| 77 | Second-Round Skill |
| 76 | Third-Round Skill |
| 75 | Fourth-Round Skill |
| 74 | Fifth-Round Skill |
| 73 | Sixth-Round Skill |
| 72 | Seventh-Round Skill |
| 71- | UDFA |
Skills Chart
Skills Breakdown (out of 100)
Route Running (77): Freiermuth is a smooth and natural route-runner. Whether he’s lined up out in the slot or attached to the line of scrimmage, he runs a diverse route tree, and he’s able to create separation in multiple ways. He controls his momentum really well and can cut in and out of breaks like a player 30 pounds lighter.
Movability (79): Tremendous movability when you factor in that he’s 260 pounds. He’s not Travis Kelce, but he moves in a very similar way. Kelce can control his momentum and shift in and out of breaks so well, and Freiermuth has the same type of ability. For example, the pivot routes that Kelce has essentially patented. He pops out of his stance if he has his hand in the dirt attached to the formation, and he’s able to move in and out of breaks fluidly.
Hands (78): Great hands and soaks up anything that’s within his catch radius. Able to hold on through contact and shows great concentration. Works to secure the catch before turning and moving upfield. Can either be used down the seam or as a chain mover.
Contested Catch Ability (77): Struggles to go up and highpoint the football in true contested catch situations, but that’s not typically how NFL TEs are utilized. Freiermuth excels in tight windows, though, and can hold onto the ball well through contact and defenders draped all over him. He uses his size well to shield defenders from getting to the ball.
Run After Catch Ability (78): Surprisingly fluid after the catch. Able to stop and start well and get upfield with his athleticism. He won’t break away long runs after the catch routinely but has more than enough ability to take a catch in the flat and turn it into a 10-yard gain.
In-Line Blocking (78): Solid in-line blocker and consistently shows great technique. Always looking to get his hands on the inside and drive up. He uses his size and frame well and will provide a very valuable role for an NFL offense that asks him to stay in repeatedly.
Speed (76): He’s not going to beat out some of the other athletes at the TE position in this class, but he has more than enough speed to win consistently in the NFL.
Video Evaluation
???? 2021 NFL Draft
└???? Tight End
└???? Pat Freiermuth
└???? Contest Catch Grade
└ pic.twitter.com/zo4eENyG6O— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 22, 2021
Pat Freiermuth is out here moving like this at 6’5/260lbs!
Don’t be surprised if Freiermuth hears his name called the first night of the 2021 NFL Draft…
(@pat_fry5) pic.twitter.com/Kz25OcUvKu
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) January 22, 2021
They Said It
Projected Draft Range
Freiermuth has the talent to be a Day 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Positional need might push him down the board slightly, but it won’t be by much. He should hear his name called within the top-50 picks.
Ideal Fantasy Landing Spot
The Jacksonville Jaguars have two first-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, and they have a clear need at TE. Surrounding Trevor Lawrence with talented weapons has to be the top priority for this front office, and Freiermuth would give Lawrence a solid security blanket over the middle of the field.
Fantasy Comparison
From a movability perspective, Travis Kelce is the popular comparison for Freiermuth. However, Kelce is a bit bigger at 260 pounds. Eric Ebron is essentially the same size as Freiermuth at 6’4/250lbs, and they move in a very similar way. Ebron profiled as a bit more of a “play above the rim” type player at North Carolina, but Freiermuth carries his momentum slightly better.
Check out the rest of our 2021 NFL Draft prospect profiles
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Kyle Yates is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Kyle, check out his archive and follow him @KyleYNFL.
