After selecting Alabama RB Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Steelers have two additional selections on the second day of the draft. For just the second time in the last decade, the Steelers used all 3 of their picks on the first two days on one side of the ball. The Steelers certainly seem determined to take players with a nasty streak who are tough football players. Kevin Colbert, Mike Tomlin, and Tight Ends coach Alfredo Roberts attended Penn State’s Pro Day and the team used their second round pick on Pat Freiermuth. Conversely, only a local area scout attended Illinois’ Pro Day and the Steelers used their third round pick on center Kendrick Green, adding depth to the offensive line.
Pat Freiermuth
TE – Penn State
The Rundown
Freiermuth was the most well-rounded tight end in this draft class. He is not Heath Miller, but he is the most similar in this class to what Heath Miller could do. Freiermuth can be an in-line blocker and is a solid receiver. He is not the athletic freak of a guy like Kyle Pitts, but at 6’5″ and 251 pounds he has the size to block the edge and the athleticism to run down the seam and be a factor in the red zone. A lot of people wanted an offensive lineman (specifically a center) at this point, though it is worth noting that drafting an all-around tight end that can block and catch can also improve the running game because defenders won’t be coming unblocked off the edge any more.
What to Like
Freiermuth is strong at the catch point and as a red zone target. He has good hands and size and can make adjustments to the ball while it’s in the air. He does a good job using his frame to box out defenders and can overpower smaller defensive backs. He was nicknamed “Baby Gronk” and can make plays all over the field and in traffic. He is not afraid to take on defensive backs with the ball in his hands and bowl them over on his way downfield. He has the grittiness and toughness to develop into an every-down player.
What He Needs to Improve
The first and foremost consideration is his medical evaluation. He had a shoulder injury which ended his season early. He stated that he is fully recovered, but the Steelers need to make sure he is ready to go for the fall. His blocking technique is certainly not “prime Heath Miller” levels and will need work, but it is miles better than Ebron.
How He Fits With the Steelers
With Vance McDonald retiring, the Steelers had a need for a second tight end. Freiermuth immediately becomes the best blocking tight end on the roster. He can be used in 2 tight end sets as a rookie and will be an absolute threat on the goal line and in the red zone. Eric Ebron has just one year left on his contract, and drafting Freiermuth allows the Steelers to have security at the tight end position moving forward beyond 2021.
Highlights
Kendrick Green
C – Illinois
The Rundown
With Creed Humphrey and Josh Myers going off the board in the late 2nd round, the Steelers addressed the interior of their offensive line with Illinois’s Kendrick Green. He came to Illinois as a defensive line recruit after playing two ways in high school. After a redshirt season, Green started his career at left guard and moved to center. Green was a second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten this past season.
What to Like
Green has good lateral agility and tested very well athletically. He is a little under-sized but ran a sub-5 second 40-yard dash which is incredible for an offensive lineman. He also tested very well in the explosiveness drills of vertical and broad jumps. He is a bit raw in his technique but has the ability to develop into a quality NFL player. He does display great pad level and the ability to get low and drive defenders around. When he does lock on to a defender he can wipe them out and clear big holes for the running game.
What He Needs to Improve
Green is on the shorter end of offensive line prospects and can get worked by defensive linemen with longer arms that can keep him away from their bodies. His technique could use some work and he may not be able to step in right away as a starter.
How He Fits With the Steelers
Green has the ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, though the Steelers announced him as a Center. His lateral agility gives him the ability to pull from the Center position like Maurkice Pouncey was able to do. Additionally, he may be best suited for a zone-blocking scheme and this selection could be a signal that the Steelers are moving away from a power blocking scheme towards zone blocking (or at least incorporating it more into their offensive attack).
