Steelers 2021 Draft Picks
Sportsvival will look at and grade each pick the Pittsburgh Steelers made in the 2021 draft. How did you think the Steelers did?
RB-Najee Harris-Alabama (Round 1- 24th overall)
Former 5-star recruit who earned first-team All SEC and All-America honors in 2020. Harris had to patiently wait his turn in the Alabama backfield early in his career. Blossomed as a senior, finishing as the Crimson Tide’s all-time in touchdowns with 54. Won the Doak Walker Award and put together enough highlight film to be considered one of the top running backs in the 2021 class. Has unique power, size, and drive. He can play every down and should become a starting running back in the NFL right away.
Overall, I cannot fault this pick by the Steelers. They need a running game and what better way to help than by drafting the best RB in the draft. Though there were offensive lineman on the board they took a sure thing at the running back position. I like this pick a lot.
TE-Pat Freiermuth-Penn St. (Round 2- 55th overall)
Junior entry- three-year starter. Two-time All-Big 10 honoree. A classic Y-tight end can stay on the field in all situations. Good hands who excels in finding the short open areas. Runs nice routes and is a nice red-zone target. Must work on this blocking techniques, gets thrown off balance by larger defenders.
I have nothing against Pat Freiermuth as a tight end. I think the Steelers really left some talented lineman on the board including Creed Humphrey of Oklahoma. Did not think that this was a big need. I hope Pittsburgh uses him in a way that will benefit our offense. Overall, rather have a lineman here.
C-G-Kendrick Green-Illinois (Round 3- 87th overall)
Three-year starter. Garnered first team All-Big 10 honors. Feisty and powerful guard in college, who will transition to center for the Steelers. Plays with a good base and has a quick first step. This guy never stops. Shorter than ideal but makes up for it with his tenacity.
The Steelers may have found their future center and it also in my eyes makes the second-round pick of Freiermuth a little easier for me to understand. He seems like his built to play some Steelers football. I like this pick, but still need more OL help.
T-Dan Moore, Jr.-Texas A&M (Round 4-128th overall)
Has the potential to be a starting OT in the NFL. Good athlete who can block in space. Some Senior Bowl notes on Moore, has trouble sustaining run blocks, struggled to anchor during the week.
At this point I am glad the Steelers finally addressed their tackle needs. I believe this may be more of a project type tackle that they could have had earlier in this draft. So-so pick.
ILB-Buddy Johnson-Texas A&M (Round 4- 140th overall)
Two-year starter. Effective as a tackle-to-tackle player. Makes a lot of plays by the line of scrimmage. Lacks a feel for pass coverage…he is a physical run stopper who will be limited to a two-down player.
This is not a bad depth pick for the Steelers linebacking corps. Not a bad ILB.
DT-Isaiahh Loudermilk-Wisconsin (Round 5-156th overall)
Two-year starter. Does a good job at keeping blockers from getting to the linebackers. Never gives up on the play, blue collar type worker who can push lineman back towards quarterback. Another Pittsburgh type player.
Traded a 4th in 2022 for Loudermilk. Another nice depth pick who the brass must be high on. I like this pick from the film I have watched this guy seems legit.
LB-Quincy Roche-Miami, Fla (Round 6-216th overall)
Two-year starter. Plays a strong and tough style of football. Can beat one on one blocking several different ways. Needs to bulk up. Needs to get more polished…could become a nice addition to a 3-4 defense.
I like the pick as Roche has more upside than most 6th round picks. Another depth guy to help our D.
CB-Tre Norwood-Oklahoma (Round 7- 245th overall)
Two-year starter. Has played all over the Oklahoma secondary. Limited man to man experience. Versatility and special teams play may make him a nice late round pick
The fact that he can possibly help on special teams makes sense to me.
P-Pressley Harvin III-Georgia Tech (Round 7- 254th overall)
255 lb. punter who can throw a football like you would not believe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC0Js7tdpno
He averaged 48.0 yards a kick in 2020.
Nothing wrong with possibly finding your punter for the next 10 plus years. Jordan Berry you may want to work on that resume.
Overall, I give the Steelers a C+. The reason being that I wish they would have gotten some earlier help on the offensive line. This draft does have some potential and would not be shocked to see it as a B-B+ down the road.
