Pat Freiermuth shows he belongs in Steelers vs. Detroit Lions

Former Penn State Football tight end Pat Freiermuth had a dominant performance against the Lions in Week 2 of the NFL preseason 

Former Penn State Football tight end Pat Freiermuth looked every bit the weapon the Pittsburgh Steelers hoped they were drafting in the second-round of this spring’s NFL Draft, Saturday night against the Detroit Lions.

In Week 2 of the NFL preseason, Freiermuth caught two passes for 19 yards and a pair of touchdowns, staking his claim as Pittsburgh’s No. 1 tight end as a rookie this upcoming season.

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Getting the chance to work with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Freiermuth seemed to quickly develop a strong chemistry with Pittsburgh’s veteran signal caller.

"“He works hard,” Roethlisberger told reporters after the game. “He’s a Steeler. He reminds me of another tight end we had here for a long time.”"

Presumably, Roethlisberger is referring to Heath Miller, who was integral to Pittsburgh’s two decades of sustained success. Miller caught 592 passes for 6,569 yards and 45 touchdowns throughout his 11-year career, as one of Roethlisberger’s favorite targets.

It was only one game, but it would seem Roethlisberger has another weapon in what has the chance to be an explosive Steelers’ vertical game, as Freiermuth proved a worthy addition to Dionte Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Juju Smith-Schuster on Saturday night.

If Saturday is any indication, Freiermuth’s place in Roethlisberger’s target-hierarchy, especially in the red-zone, is secure.

In two-plus seasons in Happy Valley, Freiermuth caught 92 passes for 1,185 yards and 16 touchdowns, while averaging 12.9 yards per reception, emerging as one of the Nittany Lions‘ most consistent threats in the passing game, prior to being chosen by the Steelers with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.