Predicting each rookie’s chances of making Steelers roster in 2021

OT Dan Moore Jr.: 95%

I would almost go as far as to say that Dan Moore Jr. would be a 100 percent roster lock in 2021, but stranger things have happened. In back-to-back years in 2015 and 2016, fourth-round picks Doran Grant and Jerald Hawkins failed to make the initial roster. While the Steelers severely need competition at offensive tackle, Moore is a raw prospect with tools and may not be ready to truly compete for a role from the gate. Still, his odds of making the team based on his measurable and draft status alone make him a near lock.

LB Buddy Johnson: 90%

With their second fourth-round pick this year, the Steelers took Dan Moore’s teammate, Buddy Johnson. Johnson is a very athletic linebacker who started the past two seasons at Texas A&M, but his film leaves a lot to be desired. On certain plays, he showcases the hustle and sideline ability to be an NFL starter. On others, he’s late to react and even looks completely lost. We’ve seen these athletic linebackers come and go often for Pittsburgh. I think Johnson sticks on the initially roster, but this might not be an easy lock like one might assume.

DL Isaiahh Loudermilk: 85%

I’ve got to say, I have no clue what the Steelers were thinking when they made this pick. Defensive line was already the best and deepest position on the team. Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward are playing some of the best football of their careers, and the team brought back both Tyson Alualu and Chris Wormley. In addition, Isaiah Buggs and Carlos Davis both showed some promise.

Isaiahh Loudermilk is a player I studied before the draft, and I didn’t come away impressed. While one would assume that it would be hard for him to make the final roster because of the depth already at the position, you don’t trade a fourth-round pick away for a guy who isn’t making the team.