Steelers 2021 re-draft: 3 picks stick and Pittsburgh rebuilds the OL

Steelers Round 5 and 6:

Original Pick: Isaiahh Loudermilk, DE

Re-Draft Pick: Elijah Mitchell, RB

With the team solidifying their offensive line in this draft with Humphrey, now is the time to select their running back. Elijah Mitchell burst onto the scene with some dynamic plays early in the season, leapfrogging third-round pick Trey Sermon. He has everything you want in a back: good speed, a tough attitude, and the ability to make a defender miss.

The only real issue with Mitchel is his ability to stay healthy. He only played in 11 games this season as he struggled to stay healthy consistently this season. That said when on the field, Mitchel has been arguably the second-best rookie running back. He gets the nod with the best center in the draft as opposed to a better back in Harris but a horrible center in Green.

Original Pick: Quincy Roche, EDGE

Re-Draft Pick: Trey Smith, IOL

Let’s get this out of the way early, I think the Steelers regret releasing Quincy Roche at this point, as the rookie has been productive in a reserve role with the Giants. That said, even knowing his role, the team would have to select Trey Smith here. The rookie guard has completed an impressive rebuild of the Chiefs offensive line, and he has been one of the best interior linemen in this draft class.

While not known at the time, David DeCastro was set to be cut shortly after the draft. While Trai Turner has been ok in his place, he isn’t a long-term solution. Add in the injuries this group has suffered (John Leglue, the team’s fifth guard, is starting), and having Smith would have been a huge win. He, Humprey, and Moore would have provided three young linemen to build around for the next stage of the Steelers.