TIGHT END ROOM PREDICTIONS- Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt
The tight end room has not changed that much between 2023’s group and 2024’s group. The only change the team made at tight end was signing MyCole Pruitt. Last season, the Steelers had Rodney Williams at tight end four, but he mostly played on special teams rather than on offense. But with the team leaning towards a run first type offense, the Steelers opted for a blocking tight end to help with the run game. And that is why the Steelers went out and got Pruitt. MyCole has played under Arthur Smith since 2018, playing for both the Titans and Falcons. While it is not likely that Pruitt will see a lot of work in the passing game, it is a good possibility that he will play a big part in the run game.
Pat Freiermuth has been the starter since 2022 and will continue to be one heading into his fourth year. Pat has over 1,500 career yaards and is coming off his worst season. Battling through a pulled hamstring and a concussion, Pat’s performance is 2023 can be excused. However, Steelers fans expect big things from Pat, who has a fresh start in 2024. Connor Heyward and Darnell Washinton are the projected number two and three guys at tight end. Heyward and Washington’s play styles are different from one another. However, in this case, it actually helps them and the team.
Darnell Washington is 6’7 feet tall and is a powerhouse in the running game. Washington’s blocking skills are recognized as outstanding for tight ends. And many will bring up his lack in receiving, however, to use that against him is stupid. The Steelers drafted Washington to be a great blocker and improve the team’s running game. And as for Connor Heyward, he is the complement to Washington’s play style. Despite lacking as a blocker, Heyward versatility as a tight end is what sets him out him from the group. When the Steelers lost their veteran fullback, Derek Watt, Heyward stepped up in 2023 and took over the role. Playing both fullback and tight end in college paid off as he saw himself lining up all over the field.
While it is obvious that this group will not be record breaking, they could very well get recognized as a top tier tight end core by the end of the season. With such versatility within this position group, Freiermuth, Washinton, Heyward, and Pruit all have paths to do great in the offense. And with Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, this group is destined to succeed in 2024.