3 of the Steelers best value picks in the 2021 NFL Draft

Quincy Roche

There may be better prospects in this class, but the Steelers had no better value than when they landed Quincy Roche in the sixth round. While Roche has some issues as a prospect, he has plenty of talent to make up for it. While he needs to take some significant steps before he could be counted on as a starter, Roche seems like he has the potential to be a great rotational edge rusher and one the team can count on to take some pressure off of Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt.

Roche had great production in college, but his size and lacking athleticism caused him to slip. In a weak edge class though, Roche was worth more than just a sixth. What he lacks in athleticism though he makes for in his technique. One of the better technicians in this class, Roche consistently won by outmaneuvering his opponents en route to getting the sack. Since his athleticism won’t get any better with his age, this is how he will have to win as a pro.

No one would have questioned this pick had the Steelers taken Roche in the fourth. Even in the third, Roche would have made sense in such a weak edge class. Falling all the way to the sixth round though is incredible value for the team. Roche as of now should slot in as the third edge rusher and find a role on special teams. If he can overcome his athletic shortcomings, he has legitimate starting potential. Getting a player like that in the third is nothing short of incredible.

While the Steelers draft had some highs and lows, these three players were easily the best value out of all of their picks. Freiermuth has long-term starting potential, Moore has the athleticism to develop into a starter, and Roche was insanely productive playing against some of the top opponents. All three propelled this draft grade up and should be recognized as the best value picks in this class.