Pittsburgh Steelers may be asking too much of their rookies in 2021

The Pittsburgh Steelers filled several big holes in the 2021 NFL Draft, but here’s why they may be asking too much of their rookies this year. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers could be in the closing year of a Super Bowl window that began with Ben Roethlisberger all the way back in 2004. With so much on the line in 2021, they are entering a very interesting situation.

Because of losses at the center, tight end, and running back positions – positions that were deemed weak following the 2020 season – the Steelers could have three offensive rookies that will be forced to step in and play pivotal roles for the team in 2021. Those, of course, are Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth, and Kendrick Green.

While it’s not guaranteed that all three will play starter-level snaps (outside of Harris), one has to ask if throwing three rookies to the wolves from the gate is the best thing for a team who is desperately searching for a Super Bowl run here and now.

Steelers rookies could struggle early

Of the players they drafted, Najee Harris clearly makes the most sense to start from the gate and receive a bulk of the action in the backfield. Historically for both Pittsburgh and other NFL teams, running backs have been able to make big impacts as rookies – if the situation is right.

The Steelers don’t have much of a choice with Harris. He’s going to be the guy and he should be a substantial upgrade over James Conner from a season ago. However, it’s important to consider that so much of a running back’s success is tied to the offensive line and the scheme that he plays in.

Harris could be entering the team at the right time, as Matt Canada’s offense should be much more creative than Randy Fichtner’s, but we still need to see what type of blocking he’s going to receive. Either way, I have no reserves about playing Harris often as a rookie.

Here’s where things get interesting. Unlike the running back position, you don’t often see day-two draft picks thrown into the fire from the gate. Let’s start with the tight end position. It’s certainly possible that Pat Freiermuth could be an immediate upgrade over a declined Vance McDonald, but he is at a very complex position that normally takes even great prospects years to figure out.

Let’s use the 2017 draft class as an example. Both O.J. Howard and David Njoku were first-round picks and considered great prospects at the position, but neither one has been able to get things figured out, and it’s been four years. Most tight ends are much better on their second and third contracts. With the responsibility of learning all of their different route combinations in addition to making sure they don’t miss a blocking assignment, this is one of the most difficult positions to jump in and contribute from the gate.

Center is much of the same. While it’s not guaranteed that Kendrick Green will be the starter from day one, most project him to be as the competition of B.J. Finney and J.C. Hassenauer isn’t exactly stellar. Still, one must wonder if the team is better off going with a veteran to begin the season.

As the center, Green would likely be responsible for all of the line calls and adjustments – something Pouncey was terrific at doing. This is a tall task to come in and demand an offensive line that is projected to have a new starter at every single position.

Personally, I would like to see these rookies get as much playing time as possible in 2021 as we all hope that they will be solid starters down the road. However, for the present, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be asking too much of their rookies in an all-important Super Bowl window.