If you get a chance to catch any of Steelers Training Camp at Heinz Field, chances are good – as in almost certain – that you will see rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth make a great catch and probably more than one.
Chances are you'll be impressed.
But you know who is not impressed, at least not quite yet? Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert and he has company.
"I don't know if you heard Coach (Tomlin), every time (Freiermuth) makes a big catch he says 'that's good, can you block?'" Colbert says, only half-kiddingly.
"Pat has flashed some really good catching ability," Colbert continues. "Until we get out there and practice in pads, you don't get too excited. Until we get into preseason games, I try not to get too excited acknowledging some special plays that maybe the young folks are making that we didn't anticipate."
If Freiermuth is concerned his receiving talents are being overlooked and his blocking ability questioned, not much could be further from the truth. He simply points out that he hasn't had the chance to actually block as a professional because so far there has not been any real hitting.
"I know that my job is to go out and makes catches, but it's also to go out and block," he says, knowing that he will finally get that chance Wednesday. "So (Wednesday) it's going out there and showing I'm not just a one-trick pony."
Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada is equally confident that his prized rookie will meet, if not exceed, expectations.
"Really been pleased with him," Canada says. "Certainly, we were all obviously excited when we got him, excited he was still around. And I think he has exceeded or met every expectation. He's certainly a student of the game, very conscientious and working hard."
Canada expects fans to be similarly impressed when the pads go on for the first public practice. "I like him a lot," he continues. "He's done a very good job at this point. As with everybody, he has a long way to go, but really, really pleased with him. "
As for the coach? Anything nice to say about Freiermuth?
"You know I'm going to play my role, I'm going to be consistent" Tomlin smiles, "so don't ask me anything glowing about him. Those of you who know me know that it's too early in the process to get that from me."
But, rest assured, Mike Tomlin is quite happy with what he has seen so far.
