2021 NFL Offseason: Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Year: 12-4)

2021 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
RB Kalen Ballage, OT Joe Haeg, G Trai Turner, C B.J. Finney, OLB Melvin Ingram, CB Arthur Maulet, S Miles Killebrew.
Early Draft Picks:
RB Najee Harris, TE Pat Freiermuth, C/G Kendrick Green, OT Dan Moore, LB Buddy Johnson. Steelers Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
RB James Conner, TE Vance McDonald, OT Alejandro Vilanueva, G David DeCastro, G Matt Feiler, C Maurkice Pouncey, OLB Bud Dupree, LB Avery Williamson, LB Vince Williams, CB Steven Nelson, CB Mike Hilton, S Sean Davis.

2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Offense:
The Steelers were extremely explosive offensively during their 11-0 start last year. They averaged 29.8 points per game during the first 10 weeks, winning by an average of more than 12 points per contest. Everything changed during their fateful loss to the Redskins on a Monday night. Including that defeat, the Steelers went 1-4 down the stretch of the regular season, averaging just 19.8 points per game. They ultimately got blown out against the Browns in the opening round of the playoffs.

Numerous problems surfaced during the collapse. The receivers began dropping countless passes. Ben Roethlisberger’s lacking arm strength was exposed. The blocking worsened. And there was no running game whatsoever. The Steelers were tasked with making numerous repairs to their offense this offseason, but they only took care of one problem and creates some new issues for themselves.

That one fix was the rushing attack, as the Steelers spent their first-round pick on Najee Harris. The Alabama product will be able to play all three downs, and he’ll be a huge upgrade over James Conner. The problem is that Harris may not have the blocking in front of him to matter.

Pittsburgh lost four starting offensive linemen this offseason, which is not a good sign for a team’s outlook in the following season. Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, center Maurkice Pouncey and guard Matt Feiler were all gone before the Steelers cut David DeCastro in late June. Chukwuma Okorafor, a 2018 third-round pick, will replace Villanueva. Okorafor has some potential, but he hasn’t shown any sign that he’ll be able to be a viable substitute for Villanueva. He’ll start opposite of right tackle Zach Banner, who was lost to a season-ending injury in Week 1. Rookie Dan Moore will compete for both jobs.

The Steelers will have some young players in the interior as well. The lone exception was perennial Pro Bowler David DeCastro before the Steelers released him due to injury concerns. Replacing him will be Trai Turner, who was atrocious for the Chargers last year. However, Turner was hurt this past season, so he’ll play better if he recovers. The other guard will be Kevin Dotson, who flashed a bit last year as a fourth-round rookie. Kendrick Green, a third-round selection from this past April, is the favorite to start at center.

It remains to be seen if Roethlisberger will have the appropriate pass protection to consistently connect with his weapons. Roethlisberger has an impressive arsenal at his disposal, however. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson were already a lethal duo, and yet the Steelers found a third dynamic wideout in Chase Claypool, who was exceptional in his rookie campaign. Tight end Eric Ebron was one of the drop-prone culprits, so second-round rookie Pat Freiermuth should end up being an upgrade.

2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Defense:
The Steelers might be fine if their major losses were localized to their offensive line, but they also saw several key players depart on the defensive side of the ball.

Perhaps the biggest name in that regard is Bud Dupree. The talented edge rusher was sorely missed down the stretch when Pittsburgh’s horrible collapse began. T.J. Watt was still around to create chaos in opponents’ backfields, but Dupree’s injury worsened Pittsburgh’s pass rush. Alex Highsmith, a third-round rookie last year, took over for Dupree, but he recorded only two sacks. Pittsburgh signed Melvin Ingram, a former double-digit sack artist who isn’t the same player at 32.

A weaker pass rush will obviously put more pressure on the secondary, which is a huge problem because the Steelers lost several players in this area. Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton are gone, so Pittsburgh was down an outside starter and a key depth player entering the offseason. The only corner the Steelers added was Art Maulet, who was an inconsistent player for the Jets. Justin Layne, a 2019 third-round pick, is the favorite to start opposite Joe Haden, who wasn’t quite the same player this past season. At 32, Haden could continue to regress. The Steelers at least have the solid Cameron Sutton to hold down the fort in the slot.

The Steelers also lost key depth at safety with Sean Davis no longer on the team. However, they still have Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds returning as the starters at the position. Fitzpatrick is one of the top safeties in the NFL, while Edmunds has been a slight disappointment as a former first-round pick.

While the Steelers lost talent at numerous positions, they’ll be getting back a key player at linebacker. Devin Bush suffered a season-ending injury in Week 6. This had huge ramifications, so Pittsburgh will be thrilled to have the athletic linebacker patrolling the middle of the field once again. Bush will start next to either the medicore Vince Williams or Robert Spillane, who did a good job filling in for Bush last year.

While there are changes at nearly every position, the defensive line has remained intact. This is a good thing, as Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt are a pair of Pro Bowl-level performers. Nose tackle Tyson Alualu does a great job of stuffing the run.

2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule and Intangibles:
The Steelers had some major kicking woes in 2015 – until they found Chris Boswell. He’s been an excellent kicker for them ever since. He was 19-of-20 in 2020.

Jordan Berry was regressed in the net-punting ranking, dropping from 15th in 2016, to 23rd in 2017, to 26th in 2018. However, he bounced back to finish 21st in 2019 and then 15th in 2020.

Pittsburgh was average on special teams last year; it didn’t allow a touchdown, but didn’t score either.

The Steelers have a mixed schedule. They have to battle all of the first-place teams as well as the AFC West. However, they’ll be able to beat up on the NFC North teams, too.

2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Rookies:
Go here for the Steelers Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.

2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):

Quarterbacks	Offensive Line	Secondary
Running Backs	Defensive Line	Special Teams
Receivers	Linebackers	Coaching

2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Analysis: The Steelers went 12-4 last year, but only after an 11-0 start. The problems they had late in the season haven’t been repaired. In fact, things are arguably worse now because Pittsburgh lost four offensive linemen and some key defenders this offseason. Given how competitive the AFC North is becoming, the Steelers might have a difficult time reaching the playoffs, or even reaching a .500 record.

Projection: 6-11 (4th in AFC North)

2020 Projection: 10-6. 2020 Actual Result: 12-4.
2019 Projection: 11-5. 2019 Actual Result: 8-8.
2018 Projection: 8-8. 2018 Actual Result: 9-6-1.
2017 Projection: 11-5. 2017 Actual Result: 13-3.
2016 Projection: 10-6. 2016 Actual Result: 11-5.

NFL Draft Team Grade: D+ Grade

Goals Entering the 2021 NFL Draft: The Steelers need to find a successor for Ben Roethlisberger, but more prominently, they must find replacements for the numerous defensive players and offensive linemen they lost this offseason.

2021 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Pittsburgh’s offense is a fancy car with no engine. The team already had so many talented receivers, and yet it added Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth to the group. Harris is the sort of talented back Steeler fans have craved for years, while Freiermuth is the capable tight end Pittsburgh has been looking for since Heath Miller’s departure.

The problem is that the offensive line is in shambles. Three blockers departed this offseason, yet the Steelers didn’t address this area until the middle of the draft. It’s possible that Kendrick Green and Dan Moore will be upgrades on the offensive line, but if they don’t pan out, Pittsburgh’s scoring unit will disappoint in 2021.

And what about the defense? Pittsburgh’s stop unit lost some talent this offseason, yet it wasn’t addressed at all until the end of the fourth round. The Steelers made a couple of nice defensive picks on Day 3, but it won’t be enough to counter the departures.

This was a disappointing draft for the Steelers. I’m sure the media will hype it because of the big names, but a fancy car doesn’t work without its engine, and I’m afraid that the Steelers won’t be as functional as everyone thinks they will this upcoming season.

NFL Draft Individual Grades:

24. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama – D- Grade
I hate this pick. I’m not going to flunk the Steelers because I think Najee Harris will be a good player in the NFL. This grade has almost nothing to do with the player, but rather the position. Running backs grow on trees, so there’s no point in taking one in the first round. Seriously, when is the last time a team succeeded because they spent their first-round pick on a running back? I talked to one team ahead of this draft that needed a running back, and they said, “We can just get one in the fifth or sixth round.” That is the correct mentality as far as running backs are concerned.

55. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State – C+ Grade
The Steelers are basically like a beautiful car with no engine. They’ve added two talented play-makers so far, but their offensive line is garbage, so how is their offense going to function? Pat Freiermuth is a talented tight end who will upgrade Eric Ebron, so I don’t hate the pick, but Pittsburgh really needs to address its blocking.

87. Kendrick Green, C/G, Illinois – B Grade
I can’t criticize this pick too much because the Steelers needed to address their offensive line more than anything. It’s nice that Kendrick Green is versatile enough to play guard and center, as both spots are big needs. I had Kendrick Green in the fourth round, so this is only a very slight reach.

128. Dan Moore, OT, Texas A&M – A+ Grade
I was critical of the Steelers selecting a tight end over an offensive lineman, but someone should have told me that they would get a second-day prospect toward the end of the fourth round. This is terrific value and potentially fills a huge need.

140. Buddy Johnson, LB, Texas A&M – B+ Grade
The Steelers have a declining defense, so they needed to address every level of it, including the linebacking corps. They’re getting a highly athletic player in Buddy Johnson, who has immense upside. He’s a bit undersized, which is why he was a fourth-round pick, but I’ve had him in this range.

156. Isaiahh Loudermilk, DE/DT, Wisconsin – F Grade
Isaiahh Loudermilk has a cool name, but that’s about it. I’ve had him in the seventh round, so I don’t hate the value. The problem is that the Steelers traded way up for him. Teams weren’t dying to draft this guy, so there’s no reason for the Steelers to squander resources for a player without a natural position because he’s a tweener.

216. Quincy Roche, DE/OLB, Miami – A- Grade
Quincy Roche needs to bulk up for the pros, but the talent is there. I had Roche in the fifth round, so I like this value. It’s also nice that Roche could fill a need with Bud Dupree gone.

245. Tre Norwood, S, Oklahoma – B- Grade
Tre Norwood is a limited athlete and doesn’t have much size or upside. He nearly made the seventh round of my mock draft, but never did. It makes sense for the Steelers to acquire some defensive back depth, but a player with more upside would have been better.

254. Pressley Harvin, P, Georgia Tech – B Grade
No, Rich Eisen, punters are not people, too. They are grotesque abominations. But the Steelers needed one, so that’s OK.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

Season Summary:
The Steelers began the year 11-0 and looked like they would be a big-time challenger for the Chiefs in the postseason. However, things fell apart quickly. They finishd 1-4 and then lost right away in embarrassing fashion to the Browns in the opening round of the playoffs.

Offseason Moves:

Steelers sign G Trai Turner

Steelers sign CB Arthur Maulet

Steelers sign RB Kalen Ballage

Steelers sign S Miles Killebrew

Steelers sign C B.J. Finney

Steelers announce retirement of C Maurkice Pouncey

Steelers announce retirement of TE Vance McDonald

Team Needs:

Quarterback: It’s time the Steelers found a quarterback for the future. Ben Roethlisberger still played well last year, but it’s obvious that he’s not the same quarterback he once was.
Running Back: The Steelers have had a hole at this position for several years. They couldn’t run the ball at all, so that needs to change.
Four Offensive Linemen: Pittsburgh has three offensive linemen set to hit free agency: Alejandro Villanueva, Zach Banner and Matt Feiler. The team will miss them if they aren’t re-signed. Meanwhile, Maurkice Pouncey announced his retirement. Re-signed Zach Banner; signed Trai Turner and Joe Haeg
Two Cornerbacks: There are also two cornerbacks set to hit free agency: Cameron Sutton and Mike Hilton. They’ll need to be retained or replaced. Re-signed Cameron Sutton; signed Arthur Maulet
Punter: Jordan Berry is an impending free agent. Re-signed Jordan Berry

Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2021 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Trai Turner, G, Chargers. Age: 27.
Signed with Steelers

It seemed like the Chargers obtained a steam when they traded for Trai Turner in exchange for Russell Okung. Turner, however, had an injury-ravaged 2020 campaign, which was his worst in the NFL. Turner is still young, however, so he figures to rebound in 2021 and beyond.
Arthur Maulet, CB, Jets. Age: 28. — Signed with Steelers
Joe Haeg, OT, Buccaneers. Age: 28. — Signed with Steelers
B.J. Finney, C, Bengals. Age: 29. — Signed with Steelers
Kalen Ballage, RB, Chargers. Age: 25. — Signed with Steelers
Miles Killebrew, S, Lions. Age: 28. — Signed with Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Steelers. Age: 24.
Re-signed with Steelers (1 year, $8 million)

JuJu Smith-Schuster is an exceptional talent who will only get better because he’s only 24 years old.
Bud Dupree, DE/OLB, Steelers. Age: 28.
Signed with Titans

The Steelers really missed Bud Dupree down the stretch, as they began losing without him. He logged eight sacks in 11 games, and he has 19.5 sacks in the past two years.
David DeCastro, G, Steelers. Age: 31.
David DeCastro is one of the best guards in the NFL, when healthy. The Steelers wouldn’t have cut him if he didn’t have some injury issues, and that appears to be the case with his troublesome ankle. DeCastro is 31, but because guards can play well into their mid-30s, he could recover and eventually be a force for some team.
Matt Feiler, G, Steelers. Age: 29.
Signed with Chargers (3 years, $21 million)

Matt Feiler was sorely missed down the stretch when he was sidelined with an injury. He’s a very talented guard, and he should be able to perform on a high level throughout the duration of his next contract.
Steven Nelson, CB, Steelers. Age: 28.
Signed with Eagles (1 year)

Steven Nelson is a quality starting cornerback, but the Steelers had to cut him due to financial reasons.
Alejandro Villanueva, OT, Steelers. Age: 32.
Signed with Ravens (2 years, $14 million)

Age is becoming a concern for Alejandro Villanueva (32), but he’s still in the upper echelon of starting left tackles in the NFL.
Cameron Sutton, CB, Steelers. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Steelers (2 years, $9 million)

Cameron Sutton has been a solid No. 2 cornerback over the past couple of years. He’s done a good job of improving since 2018, and he could keep getting better because he’s only 26.
Zach Banner, OT, Steelers. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Steelers

Zach Banner tore his ACL in Week 1, so he should be fully healthy by the time the 2021 season begins. He might be available at a cheaper price than usual because of the injury.
Mike Hilton, CB, Steelers. Age: 27.
Signed with Bengals (4 years)

Mike Hilton is a solid slot cornerback who is coming off a down year. He’s young enough to rebound with a better 2021.
Avery Williamson, LB, Steelers. Age: 29.
It’s unclear why Avery Williamson regressed last year. He used to be a solid linebacker, but he struggled in 2020, especially in coverage.
Jordan Berry, P, Steelers. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Steelers (1 year)

Jordan Berry has been ranked in the middle of the pack in net yardage over the past couple of years.
Tyson Alualu, DE/DT, Steelers. Age: 34.
Re-signed with Steelers (2 years)

Tyson Alualu is still performing on a high level as a rotational defensive lineman despite his age. He’s due for regression soon, however.
James Conner, RB, Steelers. Age: 26.
Signed with Cardinals (1 year)

James Conner has started the past few years, but he’s been one of the worst starting backs in the NFL in that span.
Vince Williams, LB, Steelers. Age: 31.
Announced retirement

Vince Williams showed his age last year, struggling mightily in coverage. Perhaps he can have a rebound season, but odds are that his career is coming to an end.
Chris Wormley, DT, Steelers. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Steelers (2 years)
Vance McDonald, TE, Steelers. Age: 31. — Announced retirement
Sean Davis, S, Steelers. Age: 27. — Signed with Colts (1 year)
Cassius Marsh, DE, Steelers. Age: 29. — Re-signed with Steelers (1 year)
Jayrone Elliott, OLB, Steelers. Age: 29.
Trey Edmunds, RB, Steelers. Age: 26.
Joshua Dobbs, QB, Steelers. Age: 26. — Re-signed with Steelers
Danny Isidora, G, Steelers. Age: 27.
Jordan Dangerfield, S, Steelers. Age: 30.

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