The Steelers rookie nobody is talking about, but should be

It looks like the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have a pretty impressive 2021 draft class, but this rookie is somehow flying under the radar. 

With so much riding on their 2021 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers were relying on a handful of rookies to step up to the plate and not only play big roles for them this season but perform well. Needless to say, I doubt the team is too disappointed in them so far.

Najee Harris was just awarded the AFC Offensive Rookie of the Month after Pittsburgh was able to cruise for over 100 rushing yards in their third straight win, while Pat Freiermuth appears to be one of the most promising young tight ends in the NFL right now. In addition, Dan Moore Jr. and Kendrick Green have made steady improvements along the offensive line, and they could be players who stick around for the long haul.

With all of the attention on the rookie class going to Pittsburgh’s first four picks from April, one quality young role player has rarely been talked about. Isaiah Loudermilk hasn’t dominated the box score, but after going back and watching the film, the Steelers must be impressed with what he has been able to provide in the defensive line rotation so far.

Steelers defensive coordinator, Keith Butler, recently spoke to the media. Here’s what he had to say about Loudermilk:

"“We like it the way he is coming along. [Coach Karl Dunbar’s] doing a good job with him. He’s going to be a good player for us. We need him to be a good player for us because how thin it is at that position. So hopefully he can continue to get better."

Loudermilk could be a good player for the Steelers

While Loudermilk still has plenty to work on as a pass rusher, he is incredibly stout at the point of attack and is already a quality run defender. According to Pro Football Focus, he has earned a 66.3 grade in this department so far this year — 12 points higher than fellow defensive lineman, Isaiah Buggs.

One play vividly stands out in my mind against the Seattle Seahawks when Loudermilk stacked the offensive guard, tossed him to the side like a ragdoll, and stuffed the running back at the line of scrimmage.

Loudermilk has just 2 solo tackles and 1 sack on 76 defensive snaps, via Pro Football Reference, but his impact has been greater than the box score would suggest. His combination of size, strength, and mobility for a player his size (6’6 3/8”, 293 pounds) is quite impressive and he should only continue to get better with more experience.

Isaiahh Loudermilk may not earn a huge role in 2021, barring injuries to Cameron Heyward or Chris Wormley, but he has the tools the Steelers desire to potentially develop into a starter down the line. I’ve been impressed by the All-22 film on Loudermilk this year, and I don’ think he’s being talked about enough.