2021 NFL Draft: Best pick by every AFC North team

Pittsburgh Steelers: Kendrick Green, OL, Illinois

Round 3, 87th Overall

The Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the teams that could’ve potentially gone the route of selecting a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft, but were out of range of one of the top signal-callers without a major trade up.

It didn’t happen, and the Steelers will be rolling with Ben Roethlisberger at least for 2021. After quarterback, the two biggest needs were running back and offensive line. Pittsburgh went with Najee Harris in the first round to give their running game a major boost, but then waited to address the line until the third round.

It’s then that they selected Illinois lineman Kendrick Green. Green has the versatility to play guard or center, and proved as much by starting games at both spots for the Illini. He has great power and finishing skills for the power running game, and is a great athlete who would have no problem leading the charge as a puller. He’s also stout in pass protection, and will have no issues holding his ground in a phone booth.

The running game will get that boost from Harris, but it’s Green who can become a cornerstone on the offensive line and be the best pick in their 2021 NFL Draft class.