The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their 2021 NFL Draft by taking Najee Harris but how did they fare with their pair of Day 2 selections on Friday?
The Pittsburgh Steelers went into Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft fresh off grabbing the best running back in the class, Najee Harris, with their first-round pick. As is often the case when it comes to the draft, there were mixed reviews about what the Steelers elected to do with the No. 24 selection.
Running back was a huge need for the Steelers, but they still had holes on their offensive line and the defensive backfield that needed attention as the second and third rounds came upon us. They ended up looking at only one of those needs when they came on the clock twice on Friday.
Let’s see how they did at filling those needs on Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Grades for the Pittsburgh Steelers picks on Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft
Round 2, Pick 55: TE Pat Freiermuth, Penn State – Grade: B-
The Steelers surprised a lot of people by taking the big, athletic tight end from Happy Valley. While many expected the Steelers to go with an offensive lineman after taking Harris in Round 1, Pittsburgh got another weapon instead.
Some Steelers fans may not like the pick, but Freiermuth is the exact type of player that will thrive in Matt Canada’s offense. He is a phenomenal blocker that can play H-back, be put in the slot at times, and be a red-zone threat as well. In terms of pure tight end play, Pittsburgh may have just got the best in the draft. T
hat said, Pittsburgh did pass on a lot of offensive tackles by taking Freiermuth and will need to address the tackle position early Day 3.
Round 3, Pick 87: IOL Kendrick Green, Illinois – Grade: B+
There is a lot ot be excited about with the selection of Kendrick Green. The All Big-Ten center is very athletic and played all over the interior of the Fighting Illini offensive line. There is a good chance that Green can come in and win the starting center job from B.J. Finney in camp and be the Week 1 starter.
The Steelers still have offensive line needs to address, but center was the biggest question mark up front. At least now, they have guys that can battle for the starting role in the heart of the line.