Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Grades
How did the Steelers do in the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s give the Steelers draft grades for every pick they made.
Round 1 (No.24 Overall) RB, Najee Harris
The Alabama RB was pretty much the consensus number one running back, but he wasn’t my number one. I wouldn’t have taken a running back until I gave him an offensive line to run behind. There were some quality blockers available here the Steelers should have taken. The Steeler’s draft grade is starting off poor due to poor positional value for me. Grade B-
Round 2 (No.55) TE, Pat Freiermuth
The Penn State tight end is built to play the position. He is big, strong, and athletic enough. I don’t think he is a game changer, though many believe he is. However, I do believe he is the best red-zone target Big Ben has had since Plaxico Burress. Once again I wish they would have addressed the offensive line here. Grade B-
Round 3 (No.87) OL, Kendrick Green
I loved this pick. Kendrick Green is an old school blocker who always plays through the whistle. He is still developing as an offensive lineman, as he just recently transitioned to the offensive side, but he is already very impressive. I had written a piece about him earlier, and you can check that out here. About time they addressed the O Line. Grade A
Round 4 (No.128) OT, Dan Moore
This is a purely developmental pick for me. Moore has progressed a little bit each year so that is good, but he lacks power. He plays with agility, but I don’t see the strength or mean streak to play OT in the NFL. However, he may be one of the better lineman on the Steeler’s roster at this point. Beware Big Ben! Grade C
Round 4 (No.140) LB, Buddy Johnson
He is a very athletic player with good instincts in the run game. I question his ability in coverage, and I don’t believe he will be their every down linebacker. He adds depth to the linebacker room with major upside. Him and Devin Bush could be a fun duo to watch for Steelers’ Nation in the future. Grade B
Round 5 (No.156) DL, Isaiahh Loudermilk
Not sure why they traded up here. Heck, I’m not sure where he ends up playing. I wouldn’t be surprised if the fifth rounder ends up on the practice squad and the next pick makes the roster instead. Loudermilk has one thing going for him, and that’s the fact he played at Wisconsin, the Alma mater of TJ Watt. Grade D+
Round 6 (No.216) Edge, Quincy Roche
It’s the sixth round and the Steelers literally just added a player who may push for starting reps. At worst I see Roche pushing Highsmith for some pass rush snaps. The edge rusher from Miami and Temple is the image of consistency. In 2020 he only produced 4.5 sacks but 14.5 tackles for loss. If you ask me he created a couple of those sacks his counterpart Jaelan Phillips recorded. Grade A
Round 7 (No.245) S, Tre Norwood
Another late round steal in my eyes. I hadn’t studied Norwood much, but he continually stood out as a play maker to me. It seems like every time I was watching the Sooners play he would come up big when it matters most. You can’t teach clutch. I am excited to see him develop playing with Fitzpatrick. He will add depth to the secondary and has major developmental upside. Grade A
Round 7 (No.254) P, Pressley Harvin III
A Punter? Really? Punters shouldn’t be drafted unless they are going to challenge for a pro bowl birth from the get go, and I don’t see that in Harvin. However, maybe the Steelers thought he could transition to LB or maybe even guard. He is 260 lbs. All I can say is I am very excited to see if he can top Pat McAfee for best tackling punter! Grade C-
Overall Grade B-
