Pittsburgh Steelers draft grades: Big hits and big misses
By Jonah Hovis
Round 7 Pick 245, Tre Norwood Oklahoma S: B-
With their first selection in the seventh round, the Pittsburgh Steelers take versatile defensive back in Oklahoma’s Tre Norwood. Norwood played a lot of nickel corner at Oklahoma but has the skills to move to a deep or box safety at the next level.
After suffering an ACL tear in 2019, the production was not the same as before, but still has a lot of talent. Norwood could come in and fill the nickel spot in the slot or simply add depth in the back end of the defense.
Norwood is six feet tall and weighs around 200 pounds being a fairly big safety or nickel at the next level. The Steelers love lining up defensive backs in the nickel or even at linebacker to give different coverage looks throughout the game. Norwood has a great change in motion making him effective in zone coverage and outside blitzer which is a common trend in Keith Butler’s play calling.
With the ability to be flexed in different positions, Norwood could have an interesting role on the Steelers defense and be effective early in special teams.
Round 7 Pick 254, Pressley Harvin III Georgia Tech P: B
With their last selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers decide to take punter Pressley Harvin III from Georgia Tech. Over some years now the punter position has been one where the Steelers can’t seem to figure out.
From acquiring Dustin Colquitt early in the year and cutting Jordan Berry, then flipping the switch and cutting Colquitt and adding Berry back to the roster. This selection of Harvin is a very interesting one for the Steelers’ last selection and could potentially be a long-term starter for them on special teams.
Pressley Harvin III is not your normal punter, Harvin is six feet tall and weighs 260 pounds — yes that is correct, a punter weighs 260 pounds. Harvin has a cannon for a leg, made a couple of throws at Georgia Tech off fakes, and is a great representative of former punter Pat McAfee’s slogan, “For The Brand”.
Harvin has great power and not afraid to make a tackle when needed making him a big upgrade at the position. Pressley Harvin will most likely have competition this camp but if he continues to slaughter balls into the atmosphere, it seems like it is his job to lose.