I'll break my grade down 3 ways:
- Team Need-how well did the Steelers address a whole on the roster.
- Value-what is the value of the position and were there better options available.
- Player Potential-how good do I think this player could be down the line.
1. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Team Need-A
The Steelers didn't have a starter in the running back room. With a strong OL, Snell could've been a part of a RBBC. McFarland did not impress as a rookie. Harris fills an immediate need and is an instant starter.
Value-C+
Running backs are bad investments in the first round. They are one-contract players. If you include the option year and franchise tag, you have them for 6 years. Other positions just begin to hit their prime at that age. They passed on a potential No. 1 corner (Newsome), center (Dickerson), tackles (Jenkins, Cosmi), and coverage LB (JOK).
Player Potential-A
He's going to be good. The best all-around back in the draft and would've easily been the top back last year as well. I expect a very productive career and top-5 back potential.
Overall Grade: B
2. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Team Need-B
The Steelers have a starter in Eric Ebron, but he is limited as a receiver only as he offers nothing in the blocking department. He's also a UFA after this season. It wasn't an immediate need, but the Steelers needed a long-term starter.
Value-B-
Like running back, tight end isn't a premium position, especially in the Steelers offense. They like their receivers and workhorse running backs. At best, a tight end would be a No. 4 option, but is more likely a No. 5 option in recent years. The upside with value is he is the No. 2 TE on the board and fits what the Steelers like. Outside of Creed Humphrey, the only other potential options here were Jalen Mayfield and Aaron Robinson, possibly Paulson Adebo.
Player Potential-B+
All-around tight end with good size. Doesn't have elite athleticism which will limit him, but I've seen upside comparisons to Witten and Ertz. That would be outstanding production from a second-round pick.
Overall Grade: B
3. Kendrick Green, C, Illinois
Team Need-A
Center was the top need on the team and although some like BJ Finney, the offense would be in trouble if he is the starter Week 1.
Value-B+
Green was pegged right in this area of the draft. There was some who had him in the fourth, but third is the right spot. The Steelers really couldn't afford to wait any longer with Myers also off the board. Possibly the only question is if you preferred Quinn Meinerz. Given the Steelers wanted P5 players and a specific scheme fit, Green appeared to be their top option.
Player Potential-B
Productive in college who has a "nasty" demeanor, Green is supposed to be one of the most athletic center prospects in recent years. He's a bit undersized and may have trouble against massive IDL, but his athleticism and pulling ability make him stand out.
Overall Grade: B+
4a. Dan Moore Jr., OT, Texas A&M
Team Need-A-
The Steelers have depth at tackle with Banner, Okorafor, and Haeg, but none of it is quality right now. Maybe under a new OC, technique, and scheme they'll improve, but this team needed better talent at LT.
Value-B-
Moore was ranked a bit all over the place. There are some who had him much lower while other analysts loved him at this spot in the draft. I gave it a lower value mark for a couple of reasons. First, an immediate upgrade was needed and Moore is probably at least a year away if he ever develops into a starter. The Steelers also passed up a couple of good prospects at other positions of need including Rashad Weaver and Tre Brown. Both had potential to contribute in situational downs on the defense as rookies.
Player Potential-B-
Moore fits the new blocking scheme and seems to have potential as a swing guard/tackle. However, he is a fourth-round pick and we've seen what the Steelers have done with Okorafor (3rd) and Banner (4th).
Overall Grade: B
4b. Buddy Johnson, ILB, Texas A&M
Team Need-C+
The Steelers needed help at ILB, but they needed another capable in coverage. Johnson brings a little speed to the table, but is in the same mold as Williams and Spillane. He isn't going to jump them for playing time this year.
Value-C-
As stated above, he's in the mold of a two-down linebacker and he was ranked a bit lower on most draft analyst sites. I take that with a grain of salt, but the upside here seems limited.
Player Potential-C-
At best he develops into a solid starter next to Bush, but this feels like a special teams/backup player in this situation. Nothing wrong with that either.
Overall Grade: C
5. Isaiahh Loudermilk, DL, Wisconsin
Team Need-D
Defensive line was probably the deepest area on the team. With that said, it's always good to replenish the talent.
Value-F
The Steelers just like to throw away fifth-round picks with bizarre player selections. On top of that, they used a fourth next year to do it. I just don't understand this move.
Player Potential-D
Loudermilk seems like a good guy who will work toward getting better. He's also very limited athletically so he is going to need to be a technician at the next level. This feels like a 2-3 year project with practice squad potential unless he surprises us.
Overall Grade: D-
6. Quncy Roche, EDGE, Miami
Team Need-A
There is no depth behind Watt and Highsmith. There still may be a need to add a veteran, but the Steelers had to come away with a young player.
Value-A
Roche was extremely productive in college, just limited athletically. He doesn't have the explosive step of high draft picks and instead relies on his pass rushing moves. He seemed like a 4th rounder, so getting this type of player in the 6th is terrific value.
Player Potential-B-
It's tough to make it as a pass rusher when you're a late-round pick. However, the Steelers have done a good job setting up their players in position to succeed in recent years. If Ola and Chickillo can stick around for a few years without any production, Roche could certainly match that.
Overall Grade: B+
7a. Tre Norwood, CB, Oklahoma
Team Need-A
There is a big need with depth at cornerback and safety. Norwood fills both area.
Value-A
This is about where he was slotted in the draft.
Player Potential-C
Norwood isn't particularly fast, which may limit him at CB. If he has CB/S potential, it will increase his odds of sticking around as a backup. The Steelers have kept around unproductive safeties for years.
Overall Grade: B+
7b. Pressley Harvin III, P, Georgia Tech
Team Need-A-
The Steelers struggled in this area last year and tried to upgrade, but ended up going back to Berry.
Value-A-
I had the Steelers taking a punter in multiple mock drafts in the final round. It's not really a position you need to draft, but if you're able to get one of the top 2-3 players at the position without having to risk losing him to another team as an UDFA, why not? He was the top punter in college football last year.
Player Potential-B
You never know how punters will translate, but he did throw a touchdown pass.
Overall Grade: B+