Solid Starter
Dan Moore Jr., OT, Texas A&M – Round 4 
Entering the 2021 NFL Draft, the Steelers badly needed some young talent on their offensive line. Pittsburgh’s offensive line saw some age impact declining veterans last season and then had attrition through free agency. Thus, it was surprising when the Steelers passed on offensive linemen in the first two rounds of the draft. While Pittsburgh took a patient approach, it came away two quality blockers, including Moore in the fourth round.
In pass protection, Moore (6-5, 311) has a solid skill set that should translate to the NFL. He has enough quickness and athleticism alongside above-average length to cut off the edge from speed rushers. With solid coaching from the Texas A&M staff, Moore shows developed technique and footwork to get himself in good position to execute his block. He also has the size and base to anchor against bull rushes and not get rolled into the pocket. Team sources have said they like how Moore is light on his feet and has good technique. With his experience in the SEC, the closest thing the NFL has to a minor league, Moore could compete for playing time quickly in the NFL.
Moore is more of a “wall off and tie up” blocker against the run. He is not a road grader who can rock defenders off the ball and roll them out of their gaps. As a pro, Moore has to get stronger and improve his ability to sustain blocks. Those will be critical to him becoming a starting right tackle and well-rounded blocker. Currently, he would be a good fit in a zone-blocking system where he does not need to be so physical.
With the Steelers, Moore could step in at right tackle early in his NFL career. He started 37 straight games in the SEC and battled a lot of good competition. It shouldn’t take much for him to beat out journeyman veteran Zach Banner at right tackle, and with all of his experience, Moore could get some consideration at left tackle. While Moore may never become an elite offensive lineman, I think he could turn into a solid starter for Pittsburgh.
2020: Alex Highsmith, OLB
2019: Diontae Johnson, WR
2018: James Washington, WR
2017: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
2016: Artie Burns, CB
2015: Sammie Coates, WR
2014: Stephon Tuitt, DE
2013: Markus Wheaton, WR
Most Likely To Bust
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State – Round 2 
After taking Alabama running back Najee Harris in the first round, it was a surprise when Pittsburgh passed on offensive line talent and took Freiermuth instead. Tight end was not as pressing of a need, but the Steelers obviously felt Freiermuth was too good to pass on in the second round. While Freiermuth could be a decent pro, I could see him being a “jack of all trades, master of none”-type tight end who ends up as a disappointment for a second-round pick.
As a receiver, Freiermuth has the potential to be a contributor to a NFL passing attack, but he lacks the elite speed to separate or twitchy athleticism. He can contribute by finding soft spots in zone coverage and making catches over defenders, but he will struggle to create separation from man coverage against pro safeties and linebackers.
Freiermuth has room for improvement with his blocking for the NFL, but the skill set is there for him to develop into a good blocker in time. He has the size to be effective, but he needs to get more physical and show more strength to engage defenders.
As a pro, I could see Freiermuth being solid, but unimpressive, in all phases, which will leave the Steelers ultimately looking for an upgrade with more of a difference-maker for a starting tight end. If that is the case, Freiermuth would be a disappointment as a second-round pick.
2020: Anthony McFarland, RB
2019: Justin Layne, CB
2018: Mason Rudolph, QB
2017: James Conner, RB
2016: Sean Davis, CB/S
2015: Senquez Golson, CB
2014: Dri Archer, RB/WR
2013: Le’Veon Bell, RB
Potential Boom Pick
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama – Round 1 
Over the last decade, the Steelers fielded one of the most consistent rushing attacks in the NFL led by Le’Veon Bell and a tough offensive line. Bell moved on, but James Connor was not the same caliber of back. The offensive line aged out as well, and Pittsburgh saw the running game struggle in 2020. With aging quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in decline, the Steelers had to land an impactful player who could invigorate their ground offense in 2021, and Harris was their target for their first-round pick. He should be a first-day starter and an immediate upgrade over Connor.
There is no doubt the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Harris has the ability to be an impactful NFL running back with the skill set of a three-down starter. He has an excellent combination of size and quickness that lets him run over tacklers, yet he retains the speed to hit the hole. Harris has a strong build and is difficult to bring down, as he will power through tackles and bounce off defenders to continue to gain yards. He shows very good contact balance and runs behind his pads with nice knee bend. In short yardage, Jones is an asset because he can push the pile on his own. He keeps his legs going after contact with a powerful lower body that is tough to stop.
In the open field, Harris can rip off yards in chunks, threatening to turn an ordinary carry into more yards thanks to his the speed to burst to the second level. Harris also has the cutting ability and quick feet to weave through the defense.
Aside from his size and speed, Harris is a natural runner with good instincts. He shows excellent vision, patience and anticipation to follow his line before bursting downhill. When holes aren’t open, Harris will patiently wait to let his line create a crease and them skillfully use his vision to make something out of nothing. He anticipates where a hole is about to open, and that lets him get to the second level consistently.
In the passing game, Harris has good hands for a power back. He makes some difficult catches and is dangerous in space. In 2020, Harris became an asset in pass protection, doing phenomenally at protecting Mac Jones. Harris squared up blitzers well and did a good job of diagnosing where rushers were coming from. For a college back, Harris put together a superb season of tape in 2020 proving he can protect his quarterback. He will, however, still need development for knowing blitz schemes in the NFL.
Harris is projected to be an immediate starter for the Steeelers, and he has boom-pick potential for if they give him quality blocking. With a good passing attack to help keep safeties honest, Harris has the potential to be a Rookie of the Year candidate and possible boom pick for Pittsburgh.
2020: Chase Claypool, WR
2019: Devin Bush, LB
2018: Terrell Edmunds, S
2017: T.J. Watt, LB
2016: Javon Hargrave, DT
2015: Bud Dupree, LB
2014: Ryan Shazier, LB
2013: Jarvis Jones, LB
Future Depth Player
Quincy Roche, G, Miami – Round 6 
The Steelers needed some pass-rushing depth after losing Bud Dupree in free agency, and they were an excellent landing spot for Roche. The team has given opportunities to late-round and undrafted players and has a favorable depth chart for instant competition, and Pittsburgh needs a pass rusher to emerge across from T.J. Watt. With Watt, Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt commanding the attention of offenses, whoever is the fourth rusher should see plenty of single-block looks.
Roche will enter what should be an open competition with second-year pro Alex Highsmith and veteran Cassius Marsh. Even if Roche doesn’t become a starter, he could work his way into being a designated pass rusher in nickel and dime packages. Roche has a great opportunity with the Steelers, and it will be up to him to make the most of it. While he may lack the size and agility to be a starter in the NFL, Roche could be a good backup and rotational designated pass rusher for Pittsburgh.
2020: Kevin Dotson, G
2019: Benny Snell, RB
2018: Jaylen Samuels, RB
2017: Cam Sutton, CB
2016: Tyler Matakevich, LB
2015: Doran Grant, CB
2014: Wesley Johnson, OT
2013: Shamarko Thomas, S
Walt’s 2021 NFL Draft 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.
2021 NFL Draft Team Grade: D+. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
Pittsburgh Steelers Season Preview
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
