In this series, we will take two Dynasty Nerds writers and pit them against one another concerning certain players or topics. In this specific article, Corey Easterday (@CoreyEasterday) and Mychal Warno (@DynastyDadMike) debate which TE you want on your dynasty roster moving forward, Pat Freiermuth or Dallas Goedert?
Pat Freiermuth
It’s a battle of the two Pennsylvania-based Tight Ends! Allow me to paraphrase a line from Kevin Malone (at everyone’s favorite Scranton, PA paper company). In one corner, you have Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth, and HE’S good. In the other corner, you have Eagles TE Dallas Goedert, and HE’S good, so that’s about it (not really). Yes, both TEs are very talented and should find themselves in the top 10 of fantasy TEs next season. I think this is a close debate, but give me Pat Freiermuth as the TE I prefer in dynasty going forward.
“‘Muth” performed very admirably in his rookie season. Granted, with Big Ben’s retirement, the Steeler’s QB situation is unclear (Cousins anyone?), but I believe Pat is well-positioned to succeed no matter who is at QB. He finished his rookie year with 60 receptions, 497 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns. Per Fantasy Pros, that was good enough to finish the season ranked 13th among TEs in total PPR points (151.7 total and 9.5 on average), only five spots behind Goedert. Per Next Gen Stats, he gained a slight edge over Goedert in receptions (60 to 56), receiving touchdowns (7 to 4), and catch percentage (75.95% to 73.68%).
Freiermuth also gets the edge as the younger of the two players (23). At 6-5, 258lb, he shares a similar build to Goedert and has shown a similar versatility at the position that allows him to be on the field for a significant snap percentage each game. Freiermuth offers more TD upside, has great hands, and should be a clear focal point of the passing game next season, however it takes shape. Invest in “‘Muth” and get him on your team whatever it takes (within reason, of course). You won’t regret it.
Thank you, Mychal, for another great debate! Be sure to follow me on Twitter @CoreyEasterday (DMs are open for all your FF questions!) and become a member of the #NerdHerd. Exclusive Content, Rankings, Dynasty GM, and more! USE PROMO CODE ‘EASTERDAY’ for 15% off ANY SUBSCRIPTION – CLICK HERE to sign up today. Dynasty Nerds has all the tools you need to dominate your league!
Dallas Goedert
Thank you, Corey, for another great debate, and much like he said, if you have either tight end, you are looking pretty good for your upcoming season. I tend to lean towards Goedert as he finally had a chance to break out of the Zach Ertz shadow this season. Goedert finished with career highs in receptions (56) and receiving yards (830). His 14.8 yards per catch ranked second among tight ends. Those numbers also come with Ertz being on the roster for six games. Those numbers come from an offense that ranked 4th fewest in receiving yards on the season. I don’t expect these numbers to drop unless Philadelphia decides to try their hand at drafting a wide receiver again.
While the age advantage is clearly in favor of Freiermuth, Goedert has the advantage in the quarterback department. Freiermuth benefited heavily from Big Ben’s inability to throw the ball downfield, which resulted in short passes and heavy targets. Freiermuth’s ADOT (average depth of target) was 5.29, which ranked 74th among qualified tight ends. Those target numbers would be fantastic if Ben were returning; however, with Roethlisberger retiring, the Pittsburgh quarterback position is wide open. Even with the heavy target percentage, Freiermuth’s 12.94% team target share is far behind Goedert, who owns the fifth-highest team target share with 20.73%.
Call me crazy, but I also don’t think it is out of the realm of possibility for Goedert to have a season just like Mark Andrews. In fact, per bleedinggreennation.com if you were to project Goedert’s 2021 numbers without Zach Ertz, it would be as follows: 117 targets, 83 receptions, and 1,202 receiving yards. I will gladly take numbers like that from my tight end.
Thank you, Corey, for another great debate. I hope readers enjoyed this series as much as I have enjoyed debating it. Please follow me on Twitter @dynastydadmike, where I love to chat about all things football. Make sure you are signed up for the DynastyGM, which is becoming the #1 fantasy tool for all dynasty players! USE PROMO CODE “DYNASTYDAD15” to save 15% off your membership.
