Almost four years ago, then-General Manager Kevin Colbert and Head Coach Mike Tomlin selected nine players to comprise the 2021 Draft class. This class is considered by many to be one of their most disappointing in recent history.
Over time, many players from that draft class were either released or traded. Prior to the start of training camp last year, four players still remained: running back Najee Harris, tight end Pat Freiermuth, offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr., and defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk.
As it stands, the only player from that group who is certain to return in 2025 is Freiermuth, who signed a four-year, $48.4 million extension last September. For the remaining three, it is highly unlikely that the Steelers will be willing to bring them back based on their body of work, including their performance this past season. In a brief while, we will take a look at each of them and predict their future with the team.
Running back Najee Harris
The decision to select Harris in the first round was met with controversy from day one. Yet, since his rookie season, Harris has made the most of his situation, playing with questionable offensive lines and coordinators. Harris has the distinction of being the only Steelers running back to register 1,000 rushing yards in his first four seasons. As impressive as this may seem, Harris has struggled mightily with efficiency. To put this into perspective, Harris has never averaged more than 4.1 yards per carry in his NFL career (3.9 career average). The mere fact that the Steelers declined to pick up his fifth-year option last year told us everything we needed to know about what they thought of him.
Future: In his defense, the team failed to recognize his strengths as a runner and put him in positions to succeed. His next team may have much more success in doing so.
Tackle Dan Moore Jr.
To his credit, Moore Jr. has the one quality all teams look for in a player: availability. Since his rookie season, he has logged 66 starts and 4,306 total offensive snaps; that is a big number considering he has only played four seasons. Unfortunately for Moore Jr., his performance during his tenure has been a rollercoaster with more lows than highs. What has defined him is his propensity to give up a high number of pressures and sacks consistently, and this past season was no exception. Before the bye week, Moore Jr. was playing at a Pro-Bowl level, as he allowed only two sacks and few pressures. Post bye week, he returned to his old form, allowing 10 sacks and struggling in pass protection. For what it's worth, this past season was his best, which speaks volumes about how poorly he performed during his first three seasons.
Future: If anything, his departure opens the door for 2023 first-round tackle Broderick Jones to return to his natural position on the left, and 2024 first-round tackle Troy Fautanu on the right. Moore Jr. is still young, and the demand for young, experienced linemen in the NFL is still high; thus, one should not be surprised if he quickly finds a new team.
Defensive Tackle Isaiaah Loudermilk
When the Steelers gave up a fourth-round pick to get Loudermilk, the assumption was that they saw a clone of All-Pro Cam Heyward, or at least the potential to be an impactful player on the defensive line. What became clear after a short period was the only thing he had in common with Heyward was his frame. Apart from that, Loudermilk wasn't near the level where he could play meaningful snaps. In his four years with the team, Loudermilk logged only five starts, three of them coming in 2022. This past season, Loudermilk had a strong training camp and preseason, but unfortunately, it did not translate into the regular season. In 16 games, he registered 17 tackles and a pass deflection. All this should lead to the Steelers not bringing him back next year—or does it?
Future: As it stands, the Steelers are in need of depth at the interior defensive line. In all likelihood, Larry Ogunjobi and Montravius Adams may not return, leaving just DeMarvin Leal coming off injury reserve and Logan Lee, who may be better suited to play in 5-technique rather than 3-technique. True enough, the team will likely address the defensive line in the draft, but it doesn't mean they will completely disregard the idea of bringing Loudermilk back.
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