The Steelers did find some good value in their 2021 NFL draft class, as these three players were picked well below where they should have gone.
The Steelers draft was a mixed bag of seemingly great value picks and ones that were questionable, to say the least. Three picks really stand out as supreme values though, and as a result, they helped raise the overall grade of the Steelers draft. Here are the three draft picks that helped raise the team’s overall draft grade due to their immense value.
Pat Freiermuth
Kyle Pitts was the unquestioned top tight end in this draft class, as his rare receiving ability would make him a weapon on any team. However, the best complete tight end may have been Pat Freiermuth, as the former Penn St. tight end lacks the athletic upside of a Pitts, but can contribute as a blocker. His last season wasn’t overly impressive, but much of that was due to canceled games and a nagging injury.
Now, it wasn’t like Freiermuth was a top-15 pick but based on his tape it was surprising he didn’t go towards the end of the first round or the beginning of the next. The Steelers getting him at pick 55 was immense value, as Freiermuth has starting tight end written all over him. No, he isn’t an incredible athlete capable of stretching the field, but he can be a physical presence and win with his size. His blocking technique isn’t perfect, but he has the frame and willingness to be a decent blocker. He will serve as the number two option this year, but don’t be surprised him to ascend into a capable starter long term that can win as a receiver while also throwing a block.
Dan Moore Jr.
I’ll be honest when I say I hadn’t watched much Dan Moore Jr. tape when he was drafted, as he didn’t seem to be heavily on the Steelers’ radar. After looking over his measurables and film, Moore has the chance not just to be a good backup, but a capable starter down the road. His athleticism was obvious, as he posted some insane numbers for a tackle while still maintaining a good size to stay at tackle. With this athleticism, he can play on either side of the line and still hold up well.
The biggest issue with Moore is his pass blocking technique, as he can get a little heavy-footed at times and mess up his assignment. That is a fixable issue though and given the proper time he could develop into a good all-around blocker. To get a potential starting tackle in the fourth round is a great pick, and easily it is one of the best values that the Steelers had in the draft.
The great tackle class around him likely aided in Moore falling as far as he did, but that doesn’t mean he is a bad prospect. In year one he will likely ride the bench and focus on improving his pass blocking before taking over as at least the swing tackle next season. Injuries could force him into action sooner though, and if it does, it could lead to him earning a starting role next year. In a normal tackle class Moore wouldn’t have gotten out of the third round, so getting him in the fourth is a great value.
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.