Steelers NFL Draft review: Grading each selection in 2021
Round 5 (trade): Isaiahh Loudermilk, DL, Wisconsin
This was a real head-scratcher. The Steelers traded away the 2022 4th Rd pick to move down to get a defensive lineman that a number of draft sites had going as an undrafted free agent. The team really needed a natural nose tackle to succeed Tyson Alualu. This isn’t that guy. Isaiahh Loudermilk doesn’t have a whole lot of pop and isn’t a speed to power guy. He had lousy production with only 62 tackles, 12.0 for loss, and 8.0 sacks for his four-year career. Loudermilk looks to be a developmental player who will have a tough time making the roster, but considering the trade, this is a terrible value pick. Grade: D-
Round 6: Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami
The Steelers needed a reserve OLB and Quincy Roche fits the bill. He transferred to Miami for his senior year after playing at Temple for three seasons. Roche had very good production with 182 tackles, 54 for a loss, and 30.5 sacks on his career. He is a good player and a solid value pick. Grade: B+
Round 7: Tre Norwood, CB, Miami
Tre Norwood has been described as a “Swiss Army knife utility back safety,” according to Head Coach, Mike Tomlin. Norwood’s primary value will be as a backup free safety. He has the size and skill set for swing duties. Norwood is a risk-taker who sometimes hits on his gambles but also misses spectacularly. His 4.58 speed should limit him to short field nickleback duties, only. He has the size and enough speed to body up against TEs, and should be a special teams standout if he makes the roster. Grade: B
Round 7: Pressley Harvin III, P, Georgia Tech
The Steelers have, obviously, had enough of Jordan Berry’s inconsistency. Pressley Harvin was the 2020 Ray Guy Award winner with 210 punts for 9396 yards at 44.7 yards per. He is good at angling punts toward the coffin corner. His average hang time is an impressive 4.48 seconds. Harvin was a great value pick in the final round. Grade: A
Trending. 3 Steelers players that benefited the most from the 2021 draft class. light
Overall Grade
Overall, the Steelers did a good job of addressing needs. The addition of Najee Harris should greatly improve the run game. Pat Freiermuth should be an immediate fixture at TE2. Likewise with Kendrick Green at Center. A number of promising depth players were added on defense and they may have scored a long-term punter in Pressley Harvin III. They might have more faith in Diontae Johnson’s hands than they deserve, so we’ll have to see how that plays out. Grade: B