The 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers draft class accomplished their fourth season. Time to see how Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth, and former Steeler Kendrick Inexperienced stacked up towards their draft class contemporaries. I’ll additionally touch upon the remainder of the category.
Right here is the hyperlink to their third yr recap if you wish to evaluate the statistical adjustments from final season.
I’ll be recapping the Steelers’ rookie lessons from 2020 to 2024. Listed below are the recaps already posted:
2022 Rookie Class: Kevin Colbert’s final draft drying up.2023 Rookie Class: Some promising younger gamers, however room for enchancment.2024 Rookie Class: A take a look at how this yr’s rookies stack up towards their contemporaries after one season.
All statistics extracted from the Professional Soccer Reference (PFR) until in any other case famous. Linemen sacks come from Professional Soccer Focus (PFF). I’ve linked the unique Steelers Depot draft profile for every participant when out there. Right here is how the Steelers high three 2021 draft picks stack up statistically towards their contemporaries after 4 seasons of play:
RUNNING BACK
RUSHING
RECEIVING
ALL
Title
G
Snaps
ATT
Yards
Suc%
Y/G
TGT
REC
Yards
Suc%
Y/G
Contact
TOT YDS
Pts
Najee Harris
68
2881
1097
4312
46.4
63.4
233
180
1149
48.5
16.9
1277
5461
204
Travis Etienne
49
2019
637
2691
46.3
54.9
170
132
1046
44.7
21.3
769
3737
120
Javonte Williams
54
1760
606
2394
44.6
44.3
203
158
966
39.9
17.9
764
3360
100
Trey Sermon
42
468
134
505
49.3
12.0
29
22
138
31.0
3.3
156
643
18
Profession Earnings and Relative Worth
Here’s a chart exhibiting profession earnings from Over the Cap with their general choice within the draft and the way I ranked them:
Title
Drafted by
Drafted/OA
Rank
Earnings
Najee Harris
Steelers
Spherical 1/24
1
13,047,444
Travis Etienne
Jaguars
Spherical 1/25
2
12,898,112
Javonte Williams
Broncos
Spherical 2/35
3
8,865,754
Trey Sermon
49ers
Spherical 3/88
4
4,376,893
Operating Again Abstract
Najee stays atop this small pack of working backs and leads the group in most classes. The emergence of Jaylen Warren helped Najee stay efficient whereas getting much less touches. A pleasant one-two working again punch. A sturdy again who appeared in all 68 common season video games. He’s damaged 130 tackles on his technique to gaining over 1,000 yards in every of his 4 seasons. However the Steelers declined to supply him the fifth-year choice on his rookie contract.
Travis Etienne got here again from lacking his rookie season for 2 seasons of sturdy performances, together with manufacturing within the postseason. Jacksonville exercised the fifth-year choice in April 2024. So, Etienne is about to make $6,143,000 in 2025.
Nonetheless, his manufacturing lagged in 2024.
Javonte Williams suffered an enormous setback in 2022 after a promising rookie season that noticed him on the PFWA All-Rookie crew with Najee. Javonte Williams bounced again from knee surgical procedure for a strong 2023. He performed in all 17 video games in 2024, beginning 11 of them however gaining simply 513 speeding yards. Trey Sermon lags far behind. He doubled his profession offensive snaps in 2024 however simply gained 258 complete yards from scrimmage.
Jaylen Warren can be again on the roster. The query is, who can be paired with him? And can that working again be an efficient substitute for Najee Harris?
TIGHT END
Title
G
Snaps D/ST
TGTs
RECs
Yds
Suc%
Y/R
Y/G
Catch %
Drop%
Pts
Kyle Pitts
61
2643/1
333
196
2651
47.7
13.5
43.5
58.9
5.1
60
Pat Freiermuth
61
2676/178
302
220
2190
55.6
10.0
35.9
72.8
3.3
112
Hunter Lengthy
37
517/348
12
8
68
66.7
8.5
1.8
66.7
8.3
6
Tommy Tremble
61
2104/681
131
85
782
45.8
9.2
12.8
64.9
3.1
62
Tre McKitty
34
844/110
26
16
117
34.6
7.3
3.4
61.5
7.7
0
Profession Earnings and Relative Worth
Here’s a chart exhibiting profession earnings from Over the Cap with their general choice within the draft and the way I ranked them:
Title
Drafted by
Drafted/OA
Rank
Earnings
Pat Freiermuth
Steelers
Spherical 2/55
1
16,146,156
Kyle Pitts
Falcons
Spherical 1 / 4
2
32,910,496
Tommy Tremble
Panthers
Spherical 3/83
3
6,710,647
Hunter Lengthy
Dolphins
Spherical 3/81
4
4,968,696
Tre McKitty
Chargers
Spherical 3/97
5
3,044,056
Tight Finish Abstract
I place Pat Freiermuth as the highest tight finish on this group over Kyle Pitts. He’s forward of Pitts in scoring, profitable reception fee and catch proportion. And in 2024, Freiermuth caught extra passes, gained extra yards, and scored extra touchdowns than Pitts. The Steelers signed Freiermuth to a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension in September 2024. Pitts is a powerful second with extra yards per catch, complete receiving yards, and receiving yards per sport. Atlanta exercised the fifth-year choice on the 2021 Professional Bowler’s rookie contract in April 2024.
Tommy Tremble simply outranks the opposite three gamers taken within the third spherical. He leads them in receptions, receiving yards, scoring, and has the bottom drop fee of the complete group. The Dolphins traded Hunter Lengthy to the Rams in 2023, however he missed a lot of the season to a thigh damage. Lengthy performed all 17 video games in 2024. Nonetheless, he had a restricted position. He scored his first NFL landing off a blocked punt within the Rams 44-42 win over Buffalo. Tre McKitty performed in 17 video games for the Chargers in 2022 with over 500 offensive snaps. Primarily a blocking again, he didn’t accumulate lots of statistics. The Chargers launched McKitty in 2023 after he appeared in six video games. McKitty was with no crew for many of 2024 till Cleveland signed him in December. However, he didn’t play in 2024. He’s presently on a reserve/future contract with the Browns in 2025.
Pat Freiermuth continues to point out untapped potential. Searching for Arthur Smith to function him extra within the Steelers passing sport in 2025.
CENTER
Title
G
GS
O/ST Snaps
Accepted Penalties
Penalty Yards
Declined or offset
Sacks Given up
Snaps per Penalty
Snaps per Sack
Landon Dickerson
63
62
3997/290
31
208
4
8
122.5
499.6
Josh Myers
56
56
3481/128
9
64
2
5
328.1
696.2
Creed Humphrey
68
68
4530/324
15
129
5
5
242.7
906.0
Kendrick Inexperienced
36
19
1363/99
7
65
4
3
132.9
454.3
Robert Hainsey
60
35
2403/123
6
40
2
3
315.8
801.0
Quinn Meinerz
62
56
3500/229
12
86
1
8
286.9
437.5
Drew Dalman
57
40
2607/64
12
115
4
3
166.9
869.0
Statistics pulled from the PFR, however sacks allowed from PFF.
Profession Earnings and Relative Worth
Here’s a chart exhibiting profession earnings from Over the Cap with their general choice within the draft and the way I ranked them:
Title
Drafted by
Drafted/OA
Rank
Earnings
Creed Humphrey
Chiefs
Spherical 2/63
1
23,346,316
Landon Dickerson
Eagles
Spherical 2/37
2
27,816,215
Josh Myers
Packers
Spherical 2/62
3
7,275,213
Quinn Meinerz
Broncos
Spherical 3/98
4
16,028,233
Drew Dalman
Falcons
Spherical 4/114
6
6,317,724
Robert Hainsey
Buccaneers
Spherical 3/95
5
6,606,960
Kendrick Inexperienced
Steelers
Spherical 3/87
7
4,875,764
Middle Abstract
Creed Humphrey began each sport because the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ heart the previous 4 years. He’s performed 98 p.c of their offensive snaps and each snap of their 12 postseason video games. The three-time Professional Bowler named AP first crew All-Professional in 2024. He leads the group in variety of snaps between sacks given up. He’s additionally rated as a ferocious run-blocker. Humphrey is off to a very sturdy begin to his NFL profession. Kansas Metropolis signed Humphrey to a four-year contract extension value $72 million in August 2024. He could possibly be on a Corridor of Fame trajectory.
The Philadelphia Eagles shifted Dickerson to left guard. The three-time Professional Bowler signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension earlier than the 2024 season. An aggressive lineman, he’s drawn 35 flags. However that has not stymied the Eagles offense. It’s nonetheless an space of concern since that may be a penalty as soon as each 122 snaps – much more frequent than the remainder of the group.
Josh Myers began the primary 4 video games at heart taking part in each single offensive snap his rookie yr. However accidents pressured him to overlook 10 of the remaining video games. He then began within the Packers’ 2021 playoff sport taking part in all 56 offensive snaps because the beginning heart. Since his rookie yr, Myers began 50 of 51 common season video games. An athletic heart, he could possibly be a linchpin for the Packers in the event that they re-sign him for the 2025 season.
Meinerz Rising Participant
Quinn Meinerz initially projected to play heart after the Denver Broncos drafted him. However he began at left guard within the Broncos’ Week 4 sport towards the Baltimore Ravens on account of teammate’s accidents his rookie yr. Different accidents pressured Meinerz to start out at proper guard for the remainder of the season. He does quit sacks extra ceaselessly than others within the group, a sack each 437 snaps. However he’s steadily improved in move safety. He didn’t make the preliminary Professional Bowl listing, however was named an alternate in 2024 which he declined. The AP acknowledged Meinerz as a primary crew All-Professional. The Broncos signed a four-year, $80 million extension with Meinerz earlier than the 2024 season.
Drew Dalman performed back-up heart and proper guard in 2021. After his rookie season as a backup, Dalman was named the Falcons’ beginning heart in 2022. In 2023, Dalman began 14 video games lacking three on account of damage. He has emerged as a frontrunner of the Atlanta offensive line, however he missed eight extra video games on account of an ankle damage in 2024. He completed the final six video games again because the beginning heart. Nonetheless, he’s scheduled to be a free agent this offseason. He’s one of the best worth as a fourth-round decide if he will get previous his accidents.
Robert Hainsey noticed motion in 9 video games and two playoff contests throughout his rookie yr. Hainsey grew to become the beginning heart in his second season. He began all 34 video games in 2022 and 2023 at heart. He had only one accepted penalty in 2022 and performed solidly. Nonetheless, Hainsey regressed in 2023. He allowed 13 extra quarterback pressures than he did the earlier season. Tampa Bay chosen heart Graham Barton within the first spherical. So, Hainsey grew to become a swing deal with in 2024, showing in all 17 video games however beginning only one.
Tough Begin
Kendrick Inexperienced has had a tough begin to his NFL profession. In 2021, he performed the primary 15 video games because the Steelers beginning heart. Then he damage his ankle. Inexperienced was inclined to the bull rush and infrequently ended up on the bottom. He dedicated eight penalties in 977 offensive snaps. Whereas Inexperienced demonstrated athleticism, these flashes have been too rare. Inexperienced competed with Kevin Dotson at left guard however didn’t play a single snap in 2022. Pittsburgh traded Inexperienced to Houston. He began three of 4 video games in 2023 however tore his meniscus within the sport towards the Steelers and went on injured reserve. In 2024, he was a backup lineman with one begin at guard. He’s a free agent in 2025.
Pittsburgh tried to transform an athletic school guard to beginning heart. It didn’t work. The Steelers missed out on a number of proficient linemen out there within the draft.
Day Three Alternatives
Pittsburgh made six picks on Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh drafted Texas A&M teammates, offensive deal with Dan Moore Jr. and ILB Buddy Johnson, within the fourth spherical. Dan Moore gained the beginning left deal with job as a rookie on account of coaching camp accidents. He’s began 66 video games at left deal with the previous 4 seasons. He missed simply two video games to damage throughout that span. A gentle presence, his play slipped at occasions however typically was underappreciated. Pittsburgh has drafted two tackles within the first around the final two years. So, Moore is probably going going to search out one other crew as a free agent in 2025.
However, Buddy Johnson performed in simply 4 video games primarily on particular groups his rookie season. The Steelers positioned Johnson on injured reserve late within the season. He didn’t make the Steelers roster in 2022. That yr, he frolicked on the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans apply squads, however didn’t play a snap. In 2023, he began on the Bears roster however was waived injured. Dallas picked him up and he’s performed primarily particular groups in 2023 and 2024.
Kevin Colbert shocked many by buying and selling a 2022 draft decide to snag Isaiahh Loudermilk within the fifth spherical. Loudermilk performed in 15 video games together with the playoff sport as a rookie. He broke up three passes on the line of scrimmage utilizing his lengthy body. His taking part in time decreased in 2022 with DeMarvin Leal taking part in forward of him. However he performed in 11 video games, beginning three of them. In 2023, his taking part in time edged upward. He appeared in 16 video games with 181 defensive and 82 particular groups snaps. Loudermilk performed much more particular groups in 2024 than earlier seasons and added one other 222 defensive snaps with Leal on injured reserve. An unrestricted free agent, he might re-sign close to the veteran minimal.
Rounds Six and Seven
Pittsburgh picked up Miami linebacker Quincy Roche within the sixth spherical. However the New York Giants signed him off waivers. There, Roche performed 17 video games with over 400 defensive snaps largely in his rookie yr. Roche performed three video games for the Giants in 2022 earlier than his launch. He had a short stint with the Steelers and different groups in 2023. However Roche has not performed within the NFL since 2022.
Within the seventh spherical, Pittsburgh picked up Oklahoma DB Tre Norwood. Many thought of it a steal so late within the draft. Norwood performed defensive and particular groups snaps in 32 video games his first two seasons. One of many slot choices, Norwood had 61 mixed tackles, defended 4 passes with one interception. However he didn’t make the roster in 2023. He final performed within the NFL in 2022. He signed with the Birmingham Stallions in August 2024.
The Steelers’ closing decide Pressley Harvin III beat out veteran punter Jordan Berry. He made the PFWA all-rookie crew in 2021. Harvin confirmed inconsistency particularly with a number of shanked punts on large open fields. He ranked twenty eighth in punting common in 2022, however improved his consistency within the second half of 2022. He additionally corralled some wild snaps to save lots of discipline purpose makes an attempt. Harvin delivered one other erratic efficiency in 2023. He signed with San Francisco in 2024 however didn’t make the roster.
Current Depot Articles on the Class of 2021
Listed below are hyperlinks to latest Steelers Depot Articles on the Steelers 2021 Rookie Class:
Conclusion
The Steelers drafted 9 gamers within the 2021 draft. The draft produced a beginning working again, tight finish, and left deal with. However two, Najee Harris and Dan Moore, might signal with different groups as free brokers in 2025. Tight finish Pat Freiermuth is signed by means of 2028. Isaiahh Loudermilk performed 4 seasons as a rotational defensive lineman, however he’s a free agent in 2025 too.
The remainder of the category is gone. Solely Buddy Johnson and Kendrick Inexperienced performed within the NFL this previous season. Kendrick Inexperienced is a backup guard in Houston. Buddy Johnson performed 18 particular crew snaps for the Cowboys towards Pittsburgh. Quincy Roche and Tre Norwood haven’t performed within the NFL since 2022, and each signed with UFL groups in 2024. Harvin, an inconsistent punter, had some tryouts however was not signed after San Francisco launched him within the 2024 preseason.
General, a couple of contributing gamers. However relying how free company goes, the Steelers could possibly be down to only certainly one of their 2021 draft picks in 2025.
I’ll examine again for a closing recap of this rookie class on the finish of 2025 season.
Your Music Choice
I at all times like to incorporate a little bit of music. The Steelers could possibly be down to at least one participant from this rookie class after free company. Right here is All the way down to Seeds and Stems (Once more) carried out by Commander Cody and his Misplaced Planet Airmen.
