It was obvious how much the Pittsburgh Steelers liked Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth long before they actually took him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts personally worked him out at his Pro Day, and their interactions showed a genuine connection.
So it was completely unsurprising when they actually drafted him, though it is perhaps mildly surprising the extent to which he is already contributing. The rookie has already been a bigger factor for the offense than has veteran Eric Ebron, and not just because he has outsnapped him in each of the first two games.