Second-year Steelers draft pick bulks up for the 2022 season

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (92). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Year two is when we typically see some breakout performers, but here’s how one Pittsburgh Steelers player, in particular, changed his frame.

It’s crazy what a full offseason in an NFL weight program can do for a player. We have seen players add muscle mass in a hurry in an effort to get themselves adjusted to the NFL game, and this often leads to better results on the field.

Recently, I wrote about the dramatic transformation T.J. Watt’s physique has gone through. After playing his final college season at Wisconsin at 242 pounds, Watt has added a good deal of muscle mass since coming into the league.

This year, one player, in particular, packed on the pounds in a hurry: second-year defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk. Despite his 6’6 3/8” frame and 81 1/4” wingspan, Loudermilk showed up at his Wisconsin Pro Day at just 274 pounds, via Mockdraftable.

As he stands here today, Loudermilk said that he is now up to 310 pounds, according to Nick Farabaugh of Pittsburgh Sports Now. This is a transformation that certainly didn’t come overnight.

Doing some simple math, this is a 36-pound weight increase in just over a year’s time. When Loudermilk came into the league, some questioned his scheme fit with the Steelers. To me, it was pretty obvious that the goal was to transition him into an interior 5-technique, but his lack of girth was an issue. Not anymore.

Now at over 6’6” and 310 pounds, Loudermilk has the frame desired to hold up at the point of attack for Pittsburgh’s odd-man front in base defense, and his body type isn’t all that dissimilar from Stephon Tuitt (who may or may not show up this year).

Obviously, adding weight doesn’t mean that Loudermilk is guaranteed to be a more successful player in year two, and there’s always a trade-off as his quickness could take a hit as a result of the transformation.

Fortunately, I thought Loudermilk flashed at times last year amidst a struggling DL unit, and I would expect better results in his second NFL season.

Najee Harris’s weight also made the news during OTAs as Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reported that he was up to 244 pounds. Harris weighed in at his Alabama Pro Day at 232 pounds last year. However, the Steelers running back claims this isn’t news at all and that he played the 2021 season at 240 pounds.

Either way, that’s a sizable running back with pretty impressive movement skills for his mass. However, we still need to see the second-year player increase his big-play rate in year two — something that’s a two-way street between Harris and his offensive line.

Both Loudermilk and Harris carry their weight very well, and I would think that Steelers DL coach, Karl Dunbar, has to be happy with Loudermilk’s new physique. Whether or not Stephon Tuitt returns in 2022, Loudermilk could be in line for an increased role this year.

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