For 11 weeks in 2020, it looked like the Pittsburgh Steelers would join the 1972 Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots as the only 16-0 teams in history. A first-round exit to the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round further exemplified the lack of focus across the team.
Ben Roethlisberger’s career is winding down, and many wondered if 2020 was going to be the end as his contract was due to expire at its conclusion. At 39-years-old, Roethlisberger has signed a one-year deal to return with the Steelers in 2021. In recognition of their quarterback’s waning time, Pittsburgh went all-in on offense in the first four rounds of the draft. With two playmakers and two linemen, the Steelers filled their offensive holes and used the back half of the draft to acquire defensive depth.
Make sure to check out all of our 2021 NFL Draft Team Recaps.
Best Pick: Pat Freiermuth (Round 2, Pick 55)
Najee Harris would be in this spot if Travis Etienne wasn’t still available when the Steelers were picking at 24th overall. Freiermuth at 55th overall, however, is a great value. With Chase Claypool and JuJu Smith-Schuster spacing the field, they add a rookie tight end who finished as Penn State’s leader in receptions from the position. A complete tight end, Freiermuth is a solid blocker who can help Harris get the running game back in gear.
Grade: A
For more on Freiermuth, check out our scouting report on him here.
Worst Pick: Isaiahh Loudermilk (Round 5, Pick 156)
Rather than an edge, the Steelers could have gotten nastier in the middle by selecting Daviyon Nixon. Nixon, a defensive tackle, went two picks later to the Carolina Panthers. Ohio State defensive back Shaun Wade was also still available and would have been a steal for Pittsburgh. Instead, they drafted Tre Norwood in the seventh round. Rush defense or pass defense, either of these players makes more sense than Loudermilk. He seems buried on the roster at the defensive end position.
Grade: C
Sleeper: Dan Moore Jr. (Round 4, Pick 128)
The Steelers can develop lineman, and keeping Roethlisberger upright is a top priority. Taking Moore in the fourth round was wise. Depending on how starting left tackle Zach Banner feels his ACL has come along, Moore could see time sooner than later. Even in training camp, those opportunities will give him a chance to impress. With no need to start immediately, Pittsburgh should hope to bring him along in rotation to contribute more in years to come.
Grade: B+
Summary
The Steelers hit their priorities out of the gate but could’ve done better for depth later on. The Harris and Snell backfield combination will be one to watch and see how they complement each other. Pittsburgh has maybe one more year to capitalize on Roethlisberger’s talents for a third Super Bowl title with him, provided their Hall of Fame quarterback can stay healthy.
Overall Grade: A
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