Ranking Which Steelers Draftees Need To Make an Immediate Impact

[Steeler Nation]

The Pittsburgh Steelers had many needs going into the 2021 NFL Draft. The draftees were selected by the Steelers based on a number of factors, but all nine players can find a way to contribute in 2021.

Which players, however, are going to be critical to the Steelers success this year? Let’s rank the top five drafted rookies and analyze why they are going to be a part of the Steelers game plan this season.

1.) C Kendrick Green (Round 3, Pick #87)​

Many Steelers fan may have expected running back, Najee Harris here, but Green is replacing a staple on the Steelers offensive line in Maurkice Pouncey. It is going to be a challenge for Ben Roethlisberger and Green to have chemistry immediately, but we know the Steelers need offensive line help and if Green can step in and play well, the Steelers talented offense can benefit from a young fresh leader up front. I have high expectations for Green and believe he can be consistent enough throughout his rookie year to make a difference.

2.) RB Najee Harris (Round 1, Pick #24)​

The Steelers have not had a workhorse since Le’Veon Bell was in the backfield. The Steelers, who rarely drafted skill positions in the first round, made a statement with this pick. They are committed to running the football, opening up the play action and taking some pressure off of Roethlisberger. As horrible as many believe the Steelers offensive line is, Zach Banner‘s return paired with Kevin Dotson, David DeCastro and Green, holes can be opened up for Harris. It will be fun to see him get to the next level and run over opposing defenders. Harris will be a key playmaker in the Steelers offense for years to come, but need him to step up immediately this year.

3.) TE Pat Freiermuth (Round 2, Pick #55)​

I am not asking for a Travis Kelce, George Kittle or Rob Gronkowski. I just want a tight end who can effectively run block and move the chains (miss you, Heath Miller). The Steelers may have found this in Freiermuth. He had some success in the red zone in college and was a great security blanket rarely dropping passes. We all know the Steelers need a tight end who can do it all. I expect Freiermuth to be the #2 tight end to start behind Eric Ebron. With that said, I think he could end up as #1 by season’s end. The Steelers need a tight end they can trust to get the job done consistently, and Freiermuth might just be that guy.

4.) ILB Buddy Johnson (Round 4, Pick #140)​

Johnson comes in at #4 as the only defensive player on the list. The Steelers are light at inside linebacker. Devin Bush is coming off a torn ACL which pretty much leaves only Robert Spillane and Vince Williams on the inside. Johnson won’t be the starter, but he will get significant time early on if the Steelers work Bush back slowly. Johnson is a very instinctive player who attacks the line of scrimmage with intent. He is your typical Pittsburgh Steeler, hard hitting middle linebacker. The Steelers need to groom him properly as this may be Williams’ last season. Johnson’s season will be more of a learning curve, but he is one injury away from playing a significant percentage of snaps.

5.) Pressley Harvin III (Round 7, Pick #254)​

All due respect to Jordan Berry, but it was time the Steelers made a special teams splash in the draft. The Nation’s top punter is headed to Pittsburgh and I could not be more excited about it. With the Steelers aggressive, powerful defense, pinning opponents inside their own 20, even their own 10-yard line would be such a great advantage. Unfortunately, it has not happened all that much in recent years. Controlling field position and time of possession will be important for the Steelers this season and their tough schedule. Harvin III could be the difference maker in a couple games this year.



All draftees could find their way into making an impact somehow, but these are the top five for me. What do you think, #SteelerNation? Comment below!

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[SteelerFan448]

I'd put Harvin at No. 4 and Roche at the 5th spot. The Steelers have depth at ILB and Johnson doesn't need to make an immediate impact. They have nothing behind the starters at OLB and Roche may not have a choice but to step up as a rotational pass rusher.

 

[FordFairLane]

Personally, I feel our defense took a step backwards with Bud and Nelson leaving so establishing a running game will be the most important. Pouncey was not a great center the last few years. So I honestly believe Finney is not much of a downgrade and might actually be an improvement. So to keep our defense off the field and control the clock I feel having a 4+ ypc and 1200 yard 1500+ all purpose back makes up for any defense deficiencies and improves the passing game allowing for more single coverages when an extra safety has to drop in the box.

 

[JPPT1974]

Defense started strong earlier but then they tampered off when they need it the most. But also need to build on an running game now that James Conner is no more here.

 

[slashsteel]

Harris should have an immediate impact. He should start out of the gates. The only player in the Steelers class I can take stock in initially IMO.

 

[ZonaBurgh]

Everyone on this site, other than a few, and you know who your are, knows more about this team than I do.

That said, do you think Harvin has the touch to place kicks inside the 20? Thought I read that while he has a big leg, finesse is not his forte.

 

[slashsteel]

Everyone on this site, other than a few, and you know who your are, knows more about this team than I do.

That said, do you think Harvin has the touch to place kicks inside the 20? Thought I read that while he has a big leg, finesse is not his forte.

Really one of those wait and see things. Not of unheard of that he starts on the practice squad either. I think to draft him they had to see potential to upgrade. And that would include directional placement. I think they try to force feed him some techniques and he either does well.............or doesn't.

 

[steelhurt]

Man they’re trying desperately to get rid of the Aussie going as far as replacing him with a way over the hill Colquitt last year so to spend a pick on a punter for them is another attempt. I mean come on we just don’t draft punters that often although Daniel Sepuvalde was drafted pretty high by Cowher. I think Harvin has a decent chance to supplant Berry but we shall see.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Everyone on this site, other than a few, and you know who your are, knows more about this team than I do.

That said, do you think Harvin has the touch to place kicks inside the 20? Thought I read that while he has a big leg, finesse is not his forte.

No worries, Bubbles will coach him up..............................................

AnD for thoe of you wondering.......... Harvin will surplant Berry. Remeber that "Aussi spin" also has an "Aussi shank'





Salute the nation

 

[Litos]

Roche at #4 ahead of Buddy for sure, there's actaully depth at ILB but outside the only player available is one Cassius Marsh, let that sink in

 

[TDX27]

I think getting Bush back at top form will be a bigger gain than losing Bud. I think Green and Najee are more 1A and 1B in either order. We definitely need Harris to perform. And we need Green (or one of our other centers but preferably Green) to play well. None of them will be Pouncey but if they can play well enough, that is what we need.

 

[slashsteel]

I think getting Bush back at top form will be a bigger gain than losing Bud. I think Green and Najee are more 1A and 1B in either order. We definitely need Harris to perform. And we need Green (or one of our other centers but preferably Green) to play well. None of them will be Pouncey but if they can play well enough, that is what we need.

They don't need them to be equal to Pouncey of old just better than last years version. If they can get a performance somewhere in between that should help stabilize the unit.

 

[SteelerInLebanon]

Defense started strong earlier but then they tampered off when they need it the most. But also need to build on an running game now that James Conner is no more here.

They dropped off because they lost almost al of their linebackers and the offense lost all ability to hold the ball. I really think it was that simple.

 

[TDX27]

They dropped off because they lost almost al of their linebackers and the offense lost all ability to hold the ball. I really think it was that simple.

Truth bomb right there. We lost our top 3 ILB's and on top of that lost Bud. Add in 5 or 6 key drops in the first half of many games and it makes it tough to make first downs, get in a rhythm, etc. Hopefully, Johnson and Ebron both purchased a top-end jugs machine like JuJu did after his rookie year because they both need to catch the ball.

 

[SteelerInLebanon]

I think getting Bush back at top form will be a bigger gain than losing Bud. I think Green and Najee are more 1A and 1B in either order. We definitely need Harris to perform. And we need Green (or one of our other centers but preferably Green) to play well. None of them will be Pouncey but if they can play well enough, that is what we need.

The person with largest load to carry who is new at his position is Canada. His performance more than any other will make or break this season.

 

[TDX27]

If Tomlin lets him do his job.

 

[slashsteel]

The person with largest load to carry who is new at his position is Canada. His performance more than any other will make or break this season.

I dunno a lot of holes attempting to plug for me to point a finger in one direction. I think there is concerns at LT and CB. I also still question who called that Cleveland game defensively.

 

[SteelerInLebanon]

I dunno a lot of holes attempting to plug for me to point a finger in one direction. I think there is concerns at LT and CB. I also still question who called that Cleveland game defensively.

With the guys they had in the game there wasn't much they could do to adjust let alone run their base defense. We had 4th string guys at multiple positions who barely knew what team they were playing for. It was duck tape and gum holding that side together after Highsmith went down.

 

[mightyguru]

All of them...ffs.