Steelers: Re-grading every draft pick of the last 5 years

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Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading the Steelers 2021 NFL Draft

Grading Steelers 2021 first-round pick: RB Najee Harris – D+

Yes, it is still early, but it is not looking good. Taking a running back in the first round is always a controversial move, but the depth of this running back class only makes it worse. Here is a look at some of the other running backs in the class:

Javonte Williams- second round
Michael Carter, Rhamondre Stevenson, Chubba Hubbard- fourth round
Elijah Mitchell, Khalil Herbert- sixth round

Harris has put up great basic statistics. He already has 2,043 career rushing yards, but he has been far from efficient. He is averaging only 3.7 yards per carry, which is tied for the third-worst mark in the NFL. His 1.7 yards after contact per rush ranks only 29th out of 45 qualifying running backs.

The Steelers have placed a large workload on Harris’s shoulders. He led the league in touches in 2021 (381). Given the averaging running back career trajectory and the elevated usage, it is hard to envision this situation improving over time.

Grading Steelers 2021 second-round pick: TE Pat Freiermuth – B+

This season, Freiermuth is sixth among tight ends in receiving yards (696). The Steelers found a good player at one of the shallowest positions in the league.

Grading Steelers 2021 third-round pick: C Kendrick Green – D

The Kendrick Green-saga is bizarre. He started 15 games as a rookie. In his second season, he has not played a single game, despite being healthy. It appears that the coaching staff has already given up on Green. Given that fact, this pick gets a D.

Grading Steelers 2021 fourth-round pick: OT Dan Moore Jr. – C-

Moore has already started 31 games, but there are some concerns here. During that stretch, Moore has given up 13 sacks and recorded 15 penalties. Still, I cannot be too hard on this pick, given its placement.

Grading Steelers 2021 fourth-round pick: LB Buddy Johnson – D

Johnson only played four games and six defensive snaps for the Steelers. He was waived in 2022.

Grading Steelers 2021 fifth-round pick: DE Isaiahh Loudermilk – C

Loudermilk has played a significant role for a fifth-round pick. He has played in 24 games and made five starts. He has posted 29 combined tackles, one sack, and three passes defended. Nevertheless, he does have a PFF grade of 38.7.

Grading Steelers 2021 sixth-round pick: LB Quincy Roche – F

Roche never played a snap for the Steelers. They waived him prior to his rookie season, which may have been a mistake. Roche had 38 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble for the New York Giants last season.

Grading Steelers 2021 seventh-round pick: S Tre Norwood – A

Norwood has proven to be a great value at the end of the draft. This season, he has 23 combined tackles and two tackles for loss, while allowing a passer rating of only 68.3 when targeted.

Grading Steelers 2021 seventh-round pick: P Pressley Harvin III – B+

Harvin won the team’s punting job. This season, he is 13th in the NFL in net yards.

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