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The Skinny
Pat Freiermuth is good, good. Arguably the best tight end in Penn State history, and the all-time touchdown receiver among Nittany Lion tight ends, Freiermuth finished his college career with 1,185 yards and 16 touchdowns on 92 receptions.
While his final season in blue and white was cut short, he went for over 100 yards in his Pen State finale against Nebraska. This included a career long 74 yard reception, helping Free Moose go out with a bang.
Freiermuth committed to Penn State what seems like an eternity ago all the way back in August 2016, 16 months before he signed with the Nittany Lions in December 2017. As a four-star recruit he chose the Nittany Lions over LSU, Notre Dame and Ohio State, among others.
As a true freshman in 2018 Freiermuth quickly made an impact. By the start of Big Ten play he was the team’s starter at tight end and he finished the season with 8 touchdown receptions. Freiermuth progressively got better during his time on campus and was in line for a monster season in 2020 before COVID and his shoulder injury got in the way.
What You’re Getting
This side of Kyle Pitts, Free Moose is probably the best tight end in this class. While he is not quite the play maker and matchup nightmare that Pitts is, Freiermuth is the far superior blocker of the two and is the best all-around tight end in this year’s draft.
Freiermuth should step in and start right away for whichever team drafts him. He can be a red zone threat and can exploit the middle of the defense as a matchup nightmare. Also, with his plus blocking ability, he will not be overmatched at the line of scrimmage and can be an every down tight end from the get go.
Another aspect that Freiermuth will bring to a NFL roster is his leadership ability. He was a two-time captain at Penn State, including being voted as a team captain as a true sophomore. Freiermuth electing to return to Penn State following the 2019 season when he could have been one of the top tight ends off the board, as well as electing to not opt out of the 2020 season when he had the opportunity to do so also speak volumes about Freiermuth’s character and how much of a team first player he is.