Steel City Blitz
An annual rite of passage… Our Training Camp Previews for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The concept here is pretty straightforward; we’ll take a look at each position. Who is vying for a place on the 53-man roster and how will that happen? Obviously there are some spots much each easier to break down than others but we’ll do our best to cover it all. Today we cover the Tight Ends.
In four seasons, Pat Freiermuth has been as consistent as one could be save for the 2023 season when he missed several games due to injury. He went for 60, 63 and 65 receptions during those other seasons yet more is demanded from him. Last season ‘Muth ranked 17th in the NFL according to Stat Muse in yards per reception at and even 10. Adding two yards per reception would get him into the top five but that’s easier said than done.
His blocking continues to get better but he’s never going to be viewed as anything more than average. On the positive side, you likely won’t get a better person and teammate on the team. He will no doubt give you everything he’s got and with the experience of Aaron Rodgers, he may see better opportunities in 2025.
Jonnu Smith had been rumored to be on his way to Pittsburgh for weeks and weeks until it finally happened as part of the Minkah Fitzpatrick-Jalen Ramsey trade. He’s no stranger to Arthur Smith’s offense having spent time with him in Tennessee and Atlanta and he definitely becomes a focal point once again.
The advantage he has over ‘Muth is the ability to make big plays after the catch and that’s exactly why they traded for him. The Steelers desperately need players like this and he will be a big focal point of the offense. With Smith preferring 12 and even 13 personnel, Smith won’t come off the field very much.
Is Darnell Washington Antonio Gates? No, he isn’t but I also believe he’s been under-utilized by the Steelers. At 6’7″ 260lbs, Washington has proven himself to be the team’s best blocker at the position, but he could be more. We’ve seen glimpses of his abilities as a pass catcher and frankly, he doesn’t have to do much.
We’ve seen how successful NFL teams have been with having their tight ends run ten yards, turn around and box out the defender. Washington displayed this ability a couple of times last year. It isn’t always as easy as that depending on the coverage, but you get the point. I’m hopeful that he isn’t relegated to being an extra tackle all of the time.
Heyward is a favorite of Special Teams Coach Danny Smith. Every year, Smith is usually given 2-3 guys that he views “must haves” for his units. Heyward has been one of those guys. Offensively, he’s limited. He’s too small to...
