Steelers DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
The Steelers have gotten some surprisingly solid contributions from its late-round rookies this season. Tre Norwood has come into his own as a dime and slot defender while Dan Moore has started every game at left tackle so far. Even more surprising has been the efficient play of Isaiahh Loudermilk. The rookie has been stout on the line, and at this point, he needs to be seeing more snaps on a regular basis.
Fans were pretty unexcited about Loudermilk when the team sent a future fourth-round pick to move up for him in the draft. While he has the height that the team craves in their linemen, he lacks the build and the production to be an exciting pick. I personally expected him to take his rookie season as a redshirt year in order for him to bulk up and add some strength. Stephon Tuitt’s injury has forced him onto the field earlier than expected, but the results haven’t been bad.
While Cameron Heyward and Chris Wormley are both fine as starters and shouldn’t lose any more snaps to the backups, Loudermilk can and should get some more snaps over Henry Mondeaux. Both get around the same reserve snaps on defense, but it is time for Loudermilk to be on the field more. He has earned the additional reps and by next year should be the top backup defensive end.