5 Steelers takeaways from Organized Team Activities

Isaiahh Loudermilk needs to have a big step forward in year two

Isaiahh Loudermilk showed up to organized team activities with a higher weight than he carried in his rookie season. The Steelers are expecting a lot from this second-year player after the recent retirement of Stephon Tuitt. This player might not be envisioned as “the guy” to replace Tuitt, but the expectation is he will play a big role.

This Wisconsin product was able to become one of the better run defenders in the defensive trenches for Pittsburgh in 2021. He was one of the bright spots in an otherwise more detrimental part of the team. With more weight and experience under his belt, he could become a player to lean on to help stop their woes on run defense.

It is going to be tough to replace Tuitt but there are different players in place that should be able to stop the bleeding. Tyson Alualu is a great run stuffer but his return from injury does bring question marks. Other players like Chris Wormley and DeMarvin Leal will also be brought into the fold in certain situations.

Most of the depth at the position has something that they are good at and struggle to round out their game. Loudermilk has a shot at becoming a full-time starter if he can continue his run defense ability and bring some pass rush skills aboard. He could have a breakout season as the team seems to really like what this player brings to the table.