Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Players demanding attention vs. Lions in preseason

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 12: Ben Roethlisberger #7 and head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers look on against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 12, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Eagles 24-16. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 28: Pat Freiermuth #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during training camp at Heinz Field on July 28, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

2. TE Pat Freiermuth

It’s safe to say the Black and Gold have had a few standout tight end in their proud history. Back in 1995, the club opted for sturdy Mark Bruener in the first round. He was part of a Super Bowl team in his rookie season, spent nine years with the organization and five more with the Houston Texans.

Ten years later, the Steelers went tight end in the first round again and struck gold with Heath Miller. The University of Virginia product played 11 seasons with the club and ranks third in franchise history with 592 receptions, behind only Hines Ward (1,000) and Antonio Brown (837).

Miller earned a pair of Pro Bowl invitations in 2009 and 2012 and was a big part of three Super Bowl squads. He was a quality receiver and reliable blocker. And the Steelers are hoping they now have something similar in Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth.

General manager Kevin Colbert took the former Nittany Lion in the second round. He and talented but erratic Eric Ebron could make for an intriguing combination. And Freiermuth’s blocking should certainly aid a team that finished dead last in the league in rushing yards per game a season ago.

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