3 late-round picks Steelers should consider in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Sam Ouhaj
Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
The Steelers have James Washington, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Anthony Johnson under contract going into the 2021 NFL season. While the hope is to sign JuJu Smith-Schuster to a long-term contract, there runs a possibility where he leaves for another team which would hurt Pittsburgh tremendously.
Claypool can become WR1 alongside Washington and Johnson in Pittsburgh, but if JuJu leaves, the Steelers should add depth to the position. Amari Rodgers would be an ideal late-round pick that could help here. Rodgers was the number one option at Clemson during the 2020 season and posted stats of 1,020 yards, seven touchdowns, and 13.2 yards per catch on 77 receptions. His draft range varies depending on who you listen to, but it’s possible he could fall to day-three of the draft because of his ACL tear in 2019, issues with his size(5’9), and catching ability.
If the Steelers decide to take Rodgers, investing a 4th-round pick makes the most sense unless Pittsburgh decides to address the wide receiver position earlier on in the draft or through free agency.
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The NFL 2021 Draft will be here sooner than you think, and as we get closer, we will get a better understanding of where everyone is going to go and what teams are looking for. It is not helpful that there is no NFL Combine this year, but Pro Days will have to do. These three prospects all have a chance of going higher in the draft, but I believe that they will be selected between rounds four and six and if the Steelers have a chance to grab any of them, they should not hesitate.