Pat Freiermuth
TE, Penn St. · 2021 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #55 (PIT)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 77 of ~85 possible regular-season games from 2021 through 2025 (~91%). Plus 7 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #58 (#3 at his position), close to where he went (#55). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Penn St.: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Combine
Invited to the Combine but no 40 time on record (skipped or injured).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (4,704 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
TE (TE group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 37.1% of the time (321 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 84 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 2 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 22 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 2.2 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 24.2 |
| Rushing | 3 att, 4 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 282 rec, 2,856 yds, 26 TD |
| Defense | 2 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2021 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2021 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Combine Invited to the Combine | 50.6% n=4,704 | |
| Position TE | 37.1% n=321 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 5", 251 lbs |
| Bench press | 26 reps |
| Arm / hand | 32.5" / 9.88" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #58 overall (#3 TE) |
Picked around him 2021 redraft
| 52 | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | redraft #58 |
| 53 | Dillon Radunz | redraft #91 |
| 54 | Dayo Odeyingbo | redraft #81 |
| 56 | D'Wayne Eskridge | redraft #168 |
| 57 | Tutu Atwell | redraft #86 |
| 58 | Nick Bolton | redraft #25 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.