Pittsburgh Steelers: Grades for every 2021 NFL Draft pick

How does the Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 NFL Draft class grade out pick-by-pick?

The Pittsburgh Steelers began their 2021 NFL Draft with a bang before slowly cooling off and fluctuating on the value of their picks through the mid rounds. At a proverbial crossroads for the franchise as Ben Roethlisberger nears the end of his career, this was a draft class they needed to hit on.

So, how did their draft go as a whole? No team bats 1.000 when it comes to the NFL Draft but there were certainly some big wins for the Steelers at the end of the day.

Here are the grades for every Pittsburgh Steelers draft pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 NFL Draft Grades: Rounds 1-2

Round 1 (No. 24): RB Najee Harris, Alabama: A

It’s no secret that the Steelers’ run game has been brutal. They finished last, or close to the bottom, in every rushing category in 2020. And the lack of offensive balance was the team’s Achilles heel down the stretch.

Harris was the consensus-best running back in the country and the first running back off the board. While some fans would have liked Pittsburgh to take a left tackle, the Steelers needed a go-to running back, and they got a great one.

Round 2 (No. 55): TE Pat Freiermuth, Penn State: B-

While many expected Pittsburgh to go with an offensive lineman, they decided to go with the big, athletic tight end, instead. Freiermuth is a hand-in-glove fit for Matt Canada and the offense he runs. He is an incredible run blocker and pass-catcher with the ability to line up as an H-back, as well as in the slot and with his hand down as a traditional tight end.

The only factor that prevents this grade from being higher is the fact that Pittsburgh needed offensive line help. That said, Freiermuth will make an immediate impact on the offense, and the pick will pay off.