Steelers Draft Grades

[J_DUB724]

 

1. Najee Harris                A

2. Pat Freiermuth           B+

3. Kendrick Green          B

4a. Dan Moore               B

4b. Buddy Johnson       C

5. Isaiahh Loudermilk     F

6. Quincy Roche             B+

7a. Tre Norwood             B

7b. Pressley Harvin        B

[jebrick]

A+ for all teams

[J_DUB724]

1 hour ago, J_DUB724 said:

 

1. Najee Harris                A

2. Pat Freiermuth           B+

3. Kendrick Green          B

4a. Dan Moore               B

4b. Buddy Johnson       C

5. Isaiahh Loudermilk     F

6. Quincy Roche             B+

7a. Tre Norwood             B

7b. Pressley Harvin        B

I had descriptions for each grade but when I got to the very end this stupid site deleted it all. I'm not going to rewrite it all.

[VigilantZombie]

 

1. Najee Harris                A+

2. Pat Freiermuth           B+

3. Kendrick Green          C

4a. Dan Moore               C

4b. Buddy Johnson       C

5. Isaiahh Loudermilk     F- 

6. Quincy Roche             B

7a. Tre Norwood             C

7b. Pressley Harvin   A+

[Ward4HOF]

...what jebrick said, haha...except for that one team's GM, that said they didn't get the guys that they wanted...oh, wait...

But I'll play along, but I'm going to split Loudermilk's grade into 2-parts...I'm also going to include the PFA we should have drafted.  These are primarily based upon how I feel Tombert navigated the 'draft process', with recognition of our teams needs, consideration for the fact that we drafted near the end, again, in each round, and as always, including value vs where I believed they should have gone...not what others believed...

 

1. Najee Harris                A- --  a minor deduction for drafting a 23 year old RB in the 1st Rd. This was done by choice, meaning, the Steelers ensured we had viable players at darn near every position, except for RB.  We even extended Mason Rudolph at the last minute.  Yet, they failed to make sure that we had a starter-capable RB on the roster prior to the draft, and yes, there were some out there.

2. Pat Freiermuth           A -- perfect value, at a position where we needed a different type of TE - a prototypical TE, in the vein of Heath Miller - 6'5" 250lbs. One with great hands and great size. Plus, he's never dropped a Red Zone TD, I believe I heard...think about that...dude is chill as ice under pressure.

3. Kendrick Green          A -- I honestly believe in my 'heart of hearts', that this is the guy Tombert wanted, and had designs on selecting him right where they did.  1st Tm all Big 10?  OG/OC versatility??

4a. Dan Moore Jr           B+ -- Gets 'plusses' for Physical attributes, almost perfect LT measurements - 6' 5/8" 311lbs, 34.5" arm length, 10.25" hands. Then consider that he was healthy the entire season, and started at LT, on the best SEC OL since 2005, I believe. 3-yr Starter, and improved measurably for the 2020 season. Every single one of his 'weaknesses' are coachable, while his 'strengths' are 'quick feet' and 'athletic pass protector'. Somehow, he was rated as a later 3rd Day pick...why, I ask??   I think we got a potential steal here, but, I'm hesitant to get too excited. 32 GMs passed on him for 3+ rounds for a reason...

4b. Buddy Johnson       C+ -- I'll be honest. Not sure what the thought process was here.  I get we needed an ILB with his particular 'heady' skillset, but I worry about his size. 

5. Isaiahh Loudermilk    C-  -- May turn out to be a rotational DL, but I find it hard to believe that there wasn't a better DL available.  Dude is 6'6", with 32" arms??  Really??

Trading away 2022 4th  F -- I don't care that we will get a compensatory...there is still a strong possibility that there's a 10-20 slot selection difference between this traded pick, for a Late Comp pick. 

6. Quincy Roche            A+ -- There's a reason he lasted this long, but on paper, this was a steal.  Production over Potential/Athleticism-exactly where you take a guy like this...a Tyler Matakevich-type pick.

7a. Tre Norwood           C -- Yeah, Tomlin's excited about him as a Swiss Army Knife type player, but I'm just not that impressed.  And waiting until the 6th?  Sorry, but CB should have been our 4b pick...

7b. Pressley Harvin      A -- We got the best Punter, hands down.  He's also likely to contribute in other ways, if allowed...

PFA Shakur Brown       A+ -- I'm glad that Colbert and Tomlin opened up the wallet to ensure we got the CB that we should have picked in the 5th...Loudermilk should be here, and honestly, likely would be.  

OVERALL GRADE - B+ -- Anytime we complete the Draft/UDFA process, and we've grabbed more good players, than bad, then that's at least a B.  It gets a ' + ', because when you step back, and look at the selections, and what was made, where?  Well, we gave Ben 2 more weapons, and gave him 2 more guys to protect him, with our 1st 4 picks.  Very smart, considering this might be his last 'hurrah'.  We did what Green Bay should have done for Aaron Rodgers.  Our Defense really only suffered a little, due to our top 10 pick,  our starting ILB was sidelined with injury.  Anyone who believes ILB is not an important position, need only look at our run containment issues last season.

[warfelg]

RD 1 - RB Najee Harris - B+
I know draftniks hate this pick, as they really wanted us to take an OL player. Well most the OL left were a reach at this point, with Landon Dickerson being next picked, but there were major injury concerns. On an individual basis Harris is better at his group than Dickerson, Jenkins, or Eichenberg are at their position. Harris is also a "bring your own blocker" type of runner. He's got the ability to be a 3 down back. But at 230, I'd like to see him drop about 10-15 pounds to gain a little footspeed.

RD 2 - TE Pat Freiermuth- A-
Yes he's not on the same level as Pitts, but from him to the next TE was a bigger drop. Freiermuth was the engine of the PSU offense, and is a huge red zone target. He's a real throwback type TE who can block and catch. Not saying he is these guys, but he's in the mold of Kittle and Kelce. Even if he's just 75% of what they bring he was a great pick. Again one that the draftniks "hate" because we have Ebron, who doesn't block and is on the last year of his contract.

RD 3 - C Kendrick Green - B
I think he's really solid, and a great fit for the movement we ask of centers. He's a good athlete, plays pissed off, and has a great wingspan. He does need to put on some weight though. The big negative is the one thing he can't change: He's only 6'1" tall, almost 6'2". That's rather short for OL.

RD 4A - OT Dan Moore - B-/C+
He's not ready to play this year, and is unlikely to get a hat outside of injury. I know our staff thought that OT was deep with developmental talent, so I was kind of hoping for a guy picked later they could try to sneak onto the PS. So for most of the year Moore will be on the active roster and not dress as Okorafor/Banner will start and Haeg will be an extra blocker/swing tackle.

RD 4B - LB Buddy Johnson - D
He's exactly like two LB's already on the team in Spillane and Vince Williams, just slightly more athletic. I really don't get it unless they see him being a special teams ace, then at that point he's a waste of a pick this early.

RD 5 - Traded for from Miami - DE Isaiahh Loudermilk - F
Coulda gotten him in the 7th or as a UDFA. Tape is really underwhelming. He's got to put on some beef. I guess the best they can think here is that they are going to ask him to be a dirty work DE/DT for us. Although you could say that the Badgers defense did benefit a ton from having him.

RD 6 - EDGE Quincy Roche - A+
I thought he was going to be gone in the 3rd, maybe the 2nd. To get a pass rusher of his skill level in the 6th is a huge win. I think he'll sub in here and there in his first year, and maybe gain more PT in his next year here. There's a physical limitation to what he can do.

RD 7A - DB Tre Norwood - D
Not hating on the player, but rather leaving the position for this late, and picking a combo guy rather than someone can play both positions OK rather than one of them well.

RD 7B - P Pressley Harvin III - A++++
Jordan Berry sucks, and Pressley is "one of us".

Overall - B-

[Steeler Hitman]

26 minutes ago, Ward4HOF said:

...what jebrick said, haha...except for that one team's GM, that said they didn't get the guys that they wanted...oh, wait...

But I'll play along, but I'm going to split Loudermilk's grade into 2-parts...I'm also going to include the PFA we should have drafted.  These are primarily based upon how I feel Tombert navigated the 'draft process', with recognition of our teams needs, consideration for the fact that we drafted near the end, again, in each round, and as always, including value vs where I believed they should have gone...not what others believed...

 

1. Najee Harris                A- --  a minor deduction for drafting a 23 year old RB in the 1st Rd. This was done by choice, meaning, the Steelers ensured we had viable players at darn near every position, except for RB.  We even extended Mason Rudolph at the last minute.  Yet, they failed to make sure that we had a starter-capable RB on the roster prior to the draft, and yes, there were some out there.

Fair assessment. I think that they wanted to get an upper caliber RB and to your point, they gambled a bit. I think they knew the philosophy of many who say no first round RB.  Najee is a high character guy, who fits the scheme and can do a lot of what Coach Tomlin and OC Canada want to do. They have five years with a good back at a good value.  Good move not being afraid to go outside the box (drafting RB in first round) as well. Grade: A+

2. Pat Freiermuth           A -- perfect value, at a position where we needed a different type of TE - a prototypical TE, in the vein of Heath Miller - 6'5" 250lbs. One with great hands and great size. Plus, he's never dropped a Red Zone TD, I believe I heard...think about that...dude is chill as ice under pressure.

I had a sneaking suspicion he would fall in the Steelers lap. Had the Browns not jumped the Steelers, I think the pick would have been JOK just based on draft value. Best  all around TE that the Steelers have had since Heath Miller. High upside and is balanced in terms of blocking and receiving. He's not the best at any one thing, but pretty darn good at everything.  Grade: A

3. Kendrick Green          A -- I honestly believe in my 'heart of hearts', that this is the guy Tombert wanted, and had designs on selecting him right where they did.  1st Tm all Big 10?  OG/OC versatility??

I wanted Quinn Meinerz here, but this guy is a Tombert pick as you said. I am longing for more days punch in the mouth/physical/brutes/bully-ball. Green is tough and more in the Pouncey mold than Alex Mack mold.  A solid pick and  solid value. My personal  philosophical differences aside, I can't be mad as they addressed a need and have followed the board/value wise fairly closely as well.  Garde: A- 

4a. Dan Moore Jr           B+ -- Gets 'plusses' for Physical attributes, almost perfect LT measurements - 6' 5/8" 311lbs, 34.5" arm length, 10.25" hands. Then consider that he was healthy the entire season, and started at LT, on the best SEC OL since 2005, I believe. 3-yr Starter, and improved measurably for the 2020 season. Every single one of his 'weaknesses' are coachable, while his 'strengths' are 'quick feet' and 'athletic pass protector'. Somehow, he was rated as a later 3rd Day pick...why, I ask??   I think we got a potential steal here, but, I'm hesitant to get too excited. 32 GMs passed on him for 3+ rounds for a reason...

Not a sexy pick and not what many of the "so called" draft experts would have done value wise. This may turn out to be another Kevin Dotson type of sleeper. This is obviously someone else that they specifically targeted and he has time to develop with the veteran free agents signed along the line. B

4b. Buddy Johnson       C+ -- I'll be honest. Not sure what the thought process was here.  I get we needed an ILB with his particular 'heady' skillset, but I worry about his size. 

I honestly didn't get this pick or the value. Again, someone they obviously specifically targeted. I was hoping Derrick Barnes or Jabril Cox, but the Lions traded up and Cox went shortly afterwards. Other options at that point with higher grades. I believe that they went off the board and went with who they wanted here. He looks the part and this may be more a move for 2022. Grade C-

5. Isaiahh Loudermilk    C-  -- May turn out to be a rotational DL, but I find it hard to believe that there wasn't a better DL available.  Dude is 6'6", with 32" arms??  Really??

I don't have as much of a  problem with this selection as so many have criticized. I think he is a sleeper. Like the previous pick, this is aimed at 2022 and beyond. I was not happy with the team's DE depth (really nothing after Wormley). I would have preferred taking IDL Twyman from a value perspective as I am not happy with the team's DE depth (really nothing after Wormley). Grade: C+

Trading away 2022 4th  F -- I don't care that we will get a compensatory...there is still a strong possibility that there's a 10-20 slot selection difference between this traded pick, for a Late Comp pick. 

It cost to move and they took one from the future. A gamble, but the jury is out on whether it was worth it. This may be the 2021 version of Highsmith in terms of talent. Short arms and all.

Grade: INC

6. Quincy Roche            A+ -- There's a reason he lasted this long, but on paper, this was a steal.  Production over Potential/Athleticism-exactly where you take a guy like this...a Tyler Matakevich-type pick.

Great comparison with the Dirt Red pick. I believe that Roche can be a solid back-up pass rusher. He does not have the athleticism to do what the Steelers like with their OLB's as far dropping in coverage, but if you let him rush, I think he can do some solid thing. Another potential sleeper that could become a poor man's James Harrison (smaller size and ability to pass rush comparison). I think he will do for the Steelers what they have longed for from Chick and Ola. Grade: A+

7a. Tre Norwood           C -- Yeah, Tomlin's excited about him as a Swiss Army Knife type player, but I'm just not that impressed.  And waiting until the 6th?  Sorry, but CB should have been our 4b pick...

I agree. I thought that CB would have been a higher priority, but maybe they see some free safety depth with him as well. Swiss Army knives are great for some things and as long as you are not expecting his to help split logs, he may be a decent part to the defensive tool box. But like you, I would prefer a chainsaw and axe to cut and split wood. 😉 Grade: C-

7b. Pressley Harvin      A -- We got the best Punter, hands down.  He's also likely to contribute in other ways, if allowed...

I had him on several mocks and was that 7B pick. I think he was a great fit for the Steelers and despite his shape/physique is more of an athlete than given credit (track shot putter as well). I think that he is more consistent in terms of overall leg strength than Jordan Berry. Pressley will need to develop some more hang time and directional punting skills, but I think those are coachable crafts for him. I kinda fell in love with his upside. I have not been big a Berry fan since early on.  He never took that next step and so time to move forward. No offense, but shank you later! Grade: A+ 

PFA Shakur Brown       A+ -- I'm glad that Colbert and Tomlin opened up the wallet to ensure we got the CB that we should have picked in the 5th...Loudermilk should be here, and honestly, likely would be.  

A much higher draft grade than most had on Loudermilk. Getting a draftable prospect as a free agent is a huge bonus. I was hoping for Ar'Darius Washington. Despite his lack of height and size, I thought he may have been able to fill the Hilton role and play some back-up FS.  He signed with the Ravens.

OVERALL GRADE - B+ -- Anytime we complete the Draft/UDFA process, and we've grabbed more good players, than bad, then that's at least a B.  It gets a ' + ', because when you step back, and look at the selections, and what was made, where?  Well, we gave Ben 2 more weapons, and gave him 2 more guys to protect him, with our 1st 4 picks.  Very smart, considering this might be his last 'hurrah'.  We did what Green Bay should have done for Aaron Rodgers.  Our Defense really only suffered a little, due to our top 10 pick,  our starting ILB was sidelined with injury.  Anyone who believes ILB is not an important position, need only look at our run containment issues last season.

Nice analysis and responses by you. Good work. Overall Grade: B+.  A lot of the so called experts gave C- and D. It is really far too early to tell. But I think we know our team and have watched and seen why they have won and lost games and know what they need to improve upon. The philosophy and thought behind how and where to improve sometimes differs. Going back to 2017, I have grown tired of seeing third and one or fourth and one get jammed up because we didn't have any road graders, maulers, or bullies on the OL. The Steelers like tough, hard working guys who can move. To use a boxing analogy about the OL, they seem to like boxers and I like sluggers. I think this team may be better in the long run flying under the radar and improving on the field and not necessarily on paper so to speak. The old washed up QB, the now finesse type of Steelers OL's and the traditional tough hard nosed defense. As long as pass defense does not become its Achilles heel, they have more than a punchers chance. Hopefully they will flow low on many people's radar in September and fly high in December and the post season. 

[Dcash4]

I give them an A+ for, IMO, what seemed like expert planning. I do not believe they ever took BPA, but I think they really mapped out the whos and whens, specifically during the first 3 rounds. 

They knew RB wasn't deep with top talent. They knew TE wasn't either. They knew round 3-4 was were the Center group would go. 

Got the top RB (choice at least), the top TE (Pitts is a receiver until proven otherwise), and what I am assuming is one of their top choices for C. 

When you see how the positions came off the board by their next picks, It really solidified that I think they had a great draft. Picked Harris at 24, the top 3 backs gone by 35. Picked Freiermuth at 55, Long and Tremble went before their round 3 pick. I would imagine that group was very happy Friday night after those two picks. All of day 3 just seemed like depth dart throws/ST guys. But I think they nailed the top 3. 

But if the worst name in all of NFL history doesn't become a wrecking ball of a DE....I am gonna have some major issues with that one....

[AFF]

We may hate the Loudermilk trade up but if he even just becomes solid depth it’s a good trade.

I said it in the draft  thread but Cam is 32 and Tuitt has injury troubles and can be cut after 2021 saving $9 mill...if need be...Buggs sucks.

Im guessing that’s their thought process on it.

[August4th]

14 minutes ago, AFF said:

We may hate the Loudermilk trade up but if he even just becomes solid depth it’s a good trade.

I said it in the draft  thread but Cam is 32 and Tuitt has injury troubles and can be cut after 2021 saving $9 mill...if need be...Buggs sucks.

Im guessing that’s their thought process on it.

feels like they'll need to start addressing that unit high in the draft soon

hopefully Loudermilk(what kind of last name is this) is a good start for depth

[jebrick]

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/sorry-but-nfl-draft-grades-cant-tell-you-who-had-a-good-draft/

Quote

The NFL draft is a hard thing to figure out even if you are among the best talent evaluators in the world. There isn’t a proven formula for consistently picking diamonds in the rough — and the same goes for us media folks who evaluate the evaluators. While it’s hard to resist the urge to make instant judgments on which teams did or didn’t have a good draft, those assessments mean very little. Truth is, there is almost no correlation between a team’s draft grades and its future performance — or even the performances of its players specifically from that draft, when judged in retrospect.

 

[August4th]

I remember the seahawks in 2011 or 2012 had a draft that was getting clowned all day by the media and it ended up being one of the best in NFL history lol

didn't the steelers have a draft class around the same time that looked great on paper and was getting "A+" grades, but ended up being one colberts weakest

[jebrick]

1 hour ago, August4th said:

I remember the seahawks in 2011 or 2012 had a draft that was getting clowned all day by the media and it ended up being one of the best in NFL history lol

didn't the steelers have a draft class around the same time that looked great on paper and was getting "A+" grades, but ended up being one colberts weakest

2012 was a draft were DeCastro fell into their lap then they drafted a bunch of crap.

[3rivers]

On 5/2/2021 at 4:58 PM, wwhickok said:

5. Isaiahh Loudermilk     F- 

the new jarvis has arrived?  Harsh already,  but thankfully a later pick, but possibly still a wasted pick

[3rivers]

1 hour ago, jebrick said:

2012 was a draft were DeCastro fell into their lap then they drafted a bunch of crap.

this.

there was a time when colbert should have been fired fro the way he drafted and handled the team. Still not a fan of his, but at least he woke up and realized DB was important enough to go to UFA and trades since he couldn't draft properly.