Steelers 2021 preseason recap, way-too-early 2022 mock draft
With the Steelers’ 2021 preseason campaign in the books and Week 1 just days away, let’s take a look at the team’s pulse and ahead with a mock NFL Draft.
There’s a lot to cover so, please, forgive the skipping around.
It looks like, even though he made the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ initial 53-man roster, Dwayne Haskins’ performance against the Carolina Panthers has derailed the Dwayne Haskins Hype Express. Rookie Tight End, Pat Freiermuth, looks like he has the makings to be Ben Roethlisberger’s new security blanket. Running back Anthony McFarland needs to stop skittering around and run with more purpose. His quickness seems to be working against him rather than for him. He should keep it in low gear, see his move and then turn the jets on. First-round NFL Draft pick, running back Najee Harris, is looking as advertised.
Congratulations to free agent OLB, Jamir Jones, for making the final cut. After mostly being filled with dread every time Jordan Berry took the field, Pressley Harvin‘s punting is fun to watch.
Very glad he made the team.
After an off-field mishap, Justin Layne appears to have turned a corner (see what I did, there?). The Dallas Cowboys targeted him and hit a couple of passes in his direction, but then Layne stripped the ball and they backed off. In the next couple of games, he added an interception and pass deflection. He’s keeping his man in front of him and he’s getting more vocal calling out coverages. In the last two games of preseason teams barely threw in his direction.
If the Steelers don’t go for outside help, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ultimately takes over at the nickel. Layne is also becoming a core member of special teams.
Cam Sutton has failed to make his case for outside cornerback. I’m not even sure he’s made his case for nickel. Either way, the Steelers should try to bring in another defensive back. Preferably, one who can break a 4.60 40-yard time. That’s something James Pierre, Miles Killebrew, Tre Norwood, Arthur Maulet and the waived/injured and reverted to injured reserve, Antoine Brooks, have failed to do.
Possible trade: James Washington to the Broncos for 2020 starting cornerback Bryce Callahan. He can play both nickel and outside. Callahan runs a sub 4.50 40-yard time, by the way.
The most surprising final cuts: RB Jaylen Samuels, OL B.J. Finney, DB Arthur Maulet. OLB Cassius Marsh and 2021 sixth-round pick, OLB Quincy Roche.
There’s sure to be more roster wrangling so some of those names will be re-signed/added to the practice squad. Former Steeler free safety Sean Davis has been cut by the Indianapolis Colts. We’ll have to see if there’s any interest in another reunion.
Pittsburgh’s entire 2021 NFL Draft class is performing very well. I had real doubts about OT Dan Moore after watching his game against North Carolina (UNC), but he’s shown signs he can be a solid sub and may even be able to vie for a starting role before too long. Isaiah Loudermilk’s poor stat line and lack of playing time made him suspect, but it looks like Kevin Colbert was right. By my count, in limited playing time, Loudermilk had 12 tackles, two for a loss, three quarterback hits, a pass deflection and 1.5 sacks.
That was enough to secure a roster spot.
Last but not least, future Hall of Famer Roethlisberger looks much more confident throwing the ball. His deep pass to Diontae Johnson was a little tentative but it still hit the mark. Watching how Big Ben operated against the Detroit Lions, it’s impossible not to get excited about the direction new offensive coordinator Matt Canada is taking the offense.