Pittsburgh Steelers draft grades: Big hits and big misses

Round 5 Pick 156, Isaiahh Loudermilk Wisconsin DT: D+

The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to trade into the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the Miami Dolphins for a 2022 4th-round selection. With the 156th pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted interior pass-rusher Isaiahh Loudermilk. Interior pass rush was not a need for the Steelers in this draft for they already have a very solid foundation at the position.

Loudermilk was somewhat of a confusing pick to many because of needs at corner and offensive line. Loudermilk some potential to be a good interior rusher and gives depth to that position, but does not make much sense in trading up for.

Loudermilk stands around 6-foot-7 seven but does not have the wingspan match, but does not seem to be an issue in rushing situations. The Pittsburgh Steelers seem pretty invested in Stephon Tuitt and Cam Heyward, but both are aging so some production could be lost.

Loudermilk seems to be a selection of depth that was needed last year with injuries to some players on that defensive line. Although this pick doesn’t have a high grade for they probably could have gotten a similar player without trading into the fifth round.

Round 6 Pick 216, Quincy Roche Miami EDGE: B-

With the 126th pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Quincy Roche. Roche seems like a steal in the sixth round for the Pittsburgh Steelers after having a not-so-productive year when transferring to Miami.

Put on the tape from Temple and Roche was all over the place making plays left and right. Some may say the production went down because of competition of the ACC and others may argue the cause was restrictions from COVID-19 affecting the season, but regardless of any of it, Roche has a lot of potential as an outside backer for the Steelers.

The Steelers lost pass rusher, Bud Dupree, this season due to free agency, but had a lot of production from third-round selection last year in Alex Highsmith. Roche will not be rushed into becoming a starting but could be seen in the Steelers’ outside linebacker rotation this season.

Roche has a mixture of power and speed to get off the line quickly making moves to the quarterback. Roche does have some flawed technique in his moves against protection, but Roche will have time to develop behind TJ Watt and Highsmith. Roche is a great addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers defense and might be their biggest steal of the draft.