NFL · 3 hours ago

ountdown to Latrobe: Steelers Top 5 Ranked TEs via PFF Stable Metrics

Bo Marchionte

Host · Writer

Steelers PFF Rankings: Tight Ends
Steelers Tight Ends Stable Metrics Rankings

Receiving Grade
- Pat Freiermuth (80th)
- Darnell Washington (20th)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Receiving Grade vs Single Coverage
- Pat Freiermuth (68th)
- Darnell Washington (18th)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Receiving Grade vs Zone
- Pat Freiermuth (80th)
- Darnell Washington (36th)
- Robert Tonyan (2nd)
Separation Percentage
- Robert Tonyan (98th)
- Darnell Washington (27th)
- Pat Freiermuth (0th)
Separation vs Single Coverage
- Darnell Washington (10th)
- Pat Freiermuth (0th)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Yards Per Route Run
- Darnell Washington (83rd)
- Pat Freiermuth (59th)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Average Depth of Target
- Pat Freiermuth (59th)
- Darnell Washington (27th)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Yards After Catch per Reception
- Darnell Washington (93rd)
- Pat Freiermuth (82nd)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Run Blocking Positively Graded Plays
- Darnell Washington (79th)
- Robert Tonyan (49th)
- Pat Freiermuth (9th)
Steelers PFF Rankings: Tight Ends
Countdown to Latrobe
- July 8 – Safeties
- July 9 – Offensive Line
- July 10 – Defensive Line
- July 11 – Cornerbacks
- July 12 – Inside Linebackers
- July 13 – Outside Linebackers
- July 14 -Running Backs
- July 16 – Tight Ends
- July 17 – Wide Receivers
- July 20 – Quarterbacks
- July 21 – Specialists (K, P, LS)
- July 22 – Final 53-Man Thoughts
The Steelers' tight end room is built on versatility.

Pat Freiermuth remains the proven receiving weapon, Darnell Washington has developed into one of the NFL's premier blocking tight ends, and veteran Robert Tonyan gives Pittsburgh another experienced pass catcher who has experience with Aaron Rodgers (67 games).

Rookie Riley Nowakowski adds developmental upside after arriving from Wisconsin. He possesses the hybrid fullback/tight end ability.

PFF Stable Metrics provide a deeper look into the traits that consistently translate from season to season. Rather than focusing strictly on catches or touchdowns, these metrics evaluate route efficiency, separation, yards after the catch and blocking performance.

PFF Offensive Grades
- Darnell Washington - 71.0 (19th of 75)
- Pat Freiermuth - 67.5 (26th of 75)
- Robert Tonyan - 59.1 (DNQ)
- Riley Nowakowski - Rookie (No NFL Grade)
- JJ Galbreath – No Grade
- Jaheim Bell – No Grade
- Lake McRee - No Grade
Steelers PFF Rankings: 1) Darnell Washington
The Sixth Offensive Lineman with Skills

Few tight ends in football possess Darnell Washington's combination of size and physicality. Entering his third NFL season, the former Georgia standout has evolved into one of the Steelers' most dependable run blockers while continuing to develop as a receiver.

His receiving metrics remain below league average, but Washington's 93rd percentile yards after the catch per reception shows the damage he can do once the football is in his hands. More importantly, his 79th percentile run-blocking grade illustrates why Pittsburgh frequently relies on him in heavy personnel packages. As Arthur Smith continues building a physical offense, Washington's role should only continue to expand.

Darnell Washington’s PFF Stable Metrics
- Receiving Grade -20th percentile
- Receiving Grade vs Single Coverage -18th
- Receiving Grade vs Zone - 36th
- Separation Percentage - 27th
- Separation vs Single Coverage - 10th
- Yards Per Route Run - 83rd
- Average Depth of Target - 27th
- Yards After Catch/Reception - 93rd
- Run Blocking Positively Graded Plays - 79th
Steelers PFF Rankings: 2) Pat Freiermuth
A Resurgence with McCarthy?

The combination of former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Jonnu Smith did no favors for Pat Freiermuth. He remains Pittsburgh's most polished receiving tight end. While separation isn't a defining strength, his stable metrics continue to show a player who consistently produces regardless of coverage.

Freiermuth owns an 80th percentile receiving grade and an 80th percentile receiving grade versus zone coverage, reinforcing his value as a dependable middle-of-the-field target. His 82nd percentile yards after the catch demonstrate his ability to turn short completions into meaningful gains.

The lone concern remains run blocking, where he ranks near the bottom of qualified tight ends. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, Washington's emergence allows Freiermuth to focus on what he does best moving the chains.

Pat Freiermuth PFF Stable Metrics
- Receiving Grade - 80th percentile
- Receiving Grade vs Single Coverage - 68th
- Receiving Grade vs Zone - 80th
- Separation Percentage - 0th
- Separation vs Single Coverage - 0th
- Yards Per Route Run - 59th
- Average Depth of Target - 59th
- Yards After Catch/Reception - 82nd
- Run Blocking Positively Graded Plays - 9th
Steelers PFF Rankings: 3) Robert Tonyan
Aaron Rodgers Comfort Piece

Robert Tonyan enters training camp as the experienced veteran of the room. While injuries have limited his production over the past few seasons, he still offers valuable experience and depth behind Washington and Freiermuth.

His stable metrics reflect limited recent playing time, though one area continues to stand out. Tonyan ranks in the 98th percentile in separation percentage, showing he can still uncover against defenders when given opportunities.

The rest of his receiving profile remains incomplete, but his experience and knowledge of NFL offenses provide Pittsburgh with a dependable veteran presence if injuries arise.

Robert Tonyan PFF Stable Metrics
- Receiving Grade - 0th percentile
- Receiving Grade vs Single Coverage - 0th
- Receiving Grade vs Zone - 2nd
- Separation Percentage - 98th
- Separation vs Single Coverage - 0th
- Yards Per Route Run - 0th
- Average Depth of Target - 0th
- Yards After Catch/Reception - 0th
- Run Blocking Positively Graded Plays - 49th
Steelers PFF Rankings: Riley Nowakowski (No Grade)
The Developmental Prospect

The spotlight on rookie Riley Nowakowski will be something to monitor during training camp. Glimpses of this skillset flashed during OTAs early this year but the whole package and how he fits is truly yet to be uncovered.

The Wisconsin product played multiple roles in college, lining up as a traditional tight end, H-back and fullback.

Because he has yet to play an NFL snap, PFF Stable Metrics are unavailable. Instead, his focus during camp will be proving he can contribute as a blocker, reliable receiver and core special teams player.

Riley Nowakowski Player Snapshot
- Rookie Tight End
- Wisconsin product
- Versatile H-back/fullback experience
- No NFL PFF Stable Metrics yet
- Competing for depth and special teams role
Steelers PFF Rankings: JJ Galbreath (No Grade)
Athletic Receiving Tight End

Undrafted in 2025 despite earning First-Team All-MVFC honors in 2024, JJ Galbreath has steadily worked his way onto the NFL radar.

After beginning his professional career with the Orlando Storm of the UFL, Galbreath spent time on Pittsburgh's practice squad before signing a reserve/future contract with the Steelers in January.

From a scouting perspective, Galbreath is a move tight end who wins with athleticism rather than power. He is a light-framed, fluid pass catcher capable of stretching the seam, creating separation against linebackers, and contributing as an H-back or flex tight end.

JJ Galbreath Player Snapshot
- Athletic move/F tight end
- Fluid route runner with natural receiving ability
- Can align in the slot, H-back, or detached from the formation
- Developmental blocker who must add play strength
- Pass-catching upside makes him a worthwhile long-term project for Pittsburgh's offense
Steelers PFF Rankings: Tight Ends
Steelers Tight Ends Stable Metrics Rankings

Receiving Grade
- Pat Freiermuth (80th)
- Darnell Washington (20th)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Receiving Grade vs Single Coverage
- Pat Freiermuth (68th)
- Darnell Washington (18th)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Receiving Grade vs Zone
- Pat Freiermuth (80th)
- Darnell Washington (36th)
- Robert Tonyan (2nd)
Separation Percentage
- Robert Tonyan (98th)
- Darnell Washington (27th)
- Pat Freiermuth (0th)
Separation vs Single Coverage
- Darnell Washington (10th)
- Pat Freiermuth (0th)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Yards Per Route Run
- Darnell Washington (83rd)
- Pat Freiermuth (59th)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Average Depth of Target
- Pat Freiermuth (59th)
- Darnell Washington (27th)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Yards After Catch per Reception
- Darnell Washington (93rd)
- Pat Freiermuth (82nd)
- Robert Tonyan (0th)
Run Blocking Positively Graded Plays
- Darnell Washington (79th)
- Robert Tonyan (49th)
- Pat Freiermuth (9th)
Steelers PFF Rankings: Tight Ends
Countdown to Latrobe
- July 8 – Safeties
- July 9 – Offensive Line
- July 10 – Defensive Line
- July 11 – Cornerbacks
- July 12 – Inside Linebackers
- July 13 – Outside Linebackers
- July 14 -Running Backs
- July 16 – Tight Ends
- July 17 – Wide Receivers
- July 20 – Quarterbacks
- July 21 – Specialists (K, P, LS)
- July 22 – Final 53-Man Thoughts
The Steelers' tight end room is built on versatility.

Pat Freiermuth remains the proven receiving weapon, Darnell Washington has developed into one of the NFL's premier blocking tight ends, and veteran Robert Tonyan gives Pittsburgh another experienced pass catcher who has experience with Aaron Rodgers (67 games).

Rookie Riley Nowakowski adds developmental upside after arriving from Wisconsin. He possesses the hybrid fullback/tight end ability.

PFF Stable Metrics provide a deeper look into the traits that consistently translate from season to season. Rather than focusing strictly on catches or touchdowns, these metrics evaluate route efficiency, separation, yards after the catch and blocking performance.

PFF Offensive Grades
- Darnell Washington - 71.0 (19th of 75)
- Pat Freiermuth - 67.5 (26th of 75)
- Robert Tonyan - 59.1 (DNQ)
- Riley Nowakowski - Rookie (No NFL Grade)
- JJ Galbreath – No Grade
- Jaheim Bell – No Grade
- Lake McRee - No Grade

Jul 15 8:00 PM

SpreadMoneyTotal

GSV

+1.5

+102

O 166.5

IND

-1.5

-124

U 166.5

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