2022 Steelers Training Camp Preview: The Tight Ends
It’s hard to believe but the Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 Training Camp is right around the corner. As we countdown the days until camp begins, SCU will highlight each position group detailing the players who will be competing for a spot on the Steelers’ final 53-man roster at the end of this Summer.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will start their 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent’s College in Latrobe (PA) once again after a hiatus caused by COVID-19 with a healthy set of players at the tight end position. After adding Penn State phenom Pat Freiermuth in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Steelers added Connor Heyward in the 2022 NFL Draft: although it’s unclear if he’ll take more snaps at fullback and special teams than in a receiving situation.
This is how the current roster heading into camp looks right now.
Pat Freiermuth
The Steelers wanted a guy who could be as versatile as Heath Miller once was on their roster. Freiermuth, at 6-5, 258, proved to be a game-changer for Pittsburgh.
Playing in 16 games, Freiermuth caught 60 passes (75.9 catch percentage) for 497 yards (8.3 Y/R) and seven touchdowns. He averaged 31.1 yards per game.
Easing into his role, and gaining confidence with his teammates, Freiermuth led all Steelers tight ends statistically last season and was able to log a better season than receivers Ray-Ray McCloud, James Washington, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Cody White in receiving yards, targets, and overall production.
2022 Outlook
Freiermuth has looked comfortable on the field during early Spring practices and OTAs.
There is absolutely no reason to think that Freirmuth won’t improve in his second season in the NFL and jump into the 2022 roster as the No. 1 tight end.
Zach Gentry
Although Gentry has played in just 19 games over his career, the Steelers have utilized him as an outlet and additional blocker. He has good size and isn’t afraid to take a hit when asked to make a catch. Gentry didn’t earn his first NFL start until Week 11 of the 2020 NFL season, though, due to being on the depth chart behind Eric Ebron.
2022 Outlook
There’s no reason to think that Gentry can’t remain the No. 2 tight end on the team barring injury.
The Steelers don’t utilize the two tight-end look as much in Matt Canada‘s offense, but Gentry’s size and athleticism still earn him a spot on the roster.
Gentry is the most experienced tight end on the Steelers roster as he enters his fourth season.
Kevin Rader
The Youngstown State product has battled for a spot on the Steelers roster for three seasons and stuck. Having played in just six games, it’s hard to give the former collegiate defensive end a highlight reel critique, but that’s not to say that there haven’t been times that Radar showed up for Pittsburgh.
2022 Outlook
If the Steelers want Radar on the roster, it’ll likely be on the “hands team” and special teams return group.
He’ll have competition in camp this season but there’s really no one pushing to take Rader from a specialized role or spot on the practice squad.
Jace Sternberger
Sternberger isn’t a stranger to Pittsburgh. Despite being selected in the third round (75th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, he spent time on the practice squads or active roster of the Packers, Steelers, Washington (now Commanders), and Seattle Seahawks.
2022 Outlook
In his three-year career, Sternberger has only caught 12 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.
Sternberger is a backup and special teams guy short of Gentry or Rader having some injury or issue that keeps them off of the field.
Connor Heyward
Heyward has already been discussed in our preview of the Steelers running backs ahead of training camp in 2022. In all likelihood, Heyward is utilized more at fullback and gadget tight end/H-back than as a true tight end.
2022 Outlook
Could Heyward press for more playing time in his rookie season with the Steelers? Sure, it’s possible.
At this point, though, it seems that Heyward could use 2022 to find a niche for himself with Pittsburgh.
Heyward has the tenacity to put Sternberger even deeper on the depth chart but not the experience. Training camp is likely to help determine how much fire Heyward has to be a contributor this year.
