The players in the 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers draft class just completed their fifth season. Just two of them players remain on the roster. But we’ll still look at how Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth and Kendrick Green compared to their draft class contemporaries even Harris and Green are gone. I’ll also comment on the rest of the class.
Here is the link to their fourth-year recap if you want to compare the statistical changes from last season.
I’ve recapped the Steelers’ rookie classes from 2022 to 2025—this wraps up my 2021-2025 series. Here are the recaps already posted:
2022 Rookie Class. Kevin Colbert’s last draft slipping away.
2023 Rookie Class. Mike McCarthy and staff will determine the value of GM Omar Khan’s first draft.
2024 Rookie Class. Three offensive linemen start.
2025 Rookie Class. Some promising young players. But room for improvement.
All statistics are from Pro Football Reference (PFR) unless otherwise noted. Linemen sacks allowed come from Pro Football Focus (PFF). I’ve linked the original Steelers Depot draft report for each player when available. Here is how the Steelers’ top three 2021 draft picks stack up statistically against their contemporaries after five NFL seasons:
RUNNING BACK
RUSHING RECEIVING ALL
Name G Snaps ATT Yards Suc%
Najee Harris 71 2,924 1,113 4,373 46.9
Travis Etienne 66 2,710 897 3,798 46.5
Javonte Williams 70 2,529 858 3,595 48.0
Trey Sermon 46 469 134 505 49.3
Players listed in order drafted
Career Earnings and Relative Value
Here is a chart showing career earnings after five seasons from Over the Cap with their overall selection in the draft and how I ranked them:
Name Drafted by Drafted/OA Rank Earnings
Najee Harris Steelers Round 1/24 1 $18,297,444
Travis Etienne Jaguars Round 1/25 2 $19,041,112
Javonte Williams Broncos Round 2/35 3 $18,336,342
Trey Sermon 49ers Round 3/88 4 $4,987,893
Running Back Summary
As Steelers fans, we lived through Najee Harris carrying the load for four solid years in Pittsburgh. Heading into 2026, this 2021 group of running backs has no true elite difference makers—Harris’ volume and consistency still lead the way.
Najee Harris (Chargers, Steelers): The class leader and the guy we know best. Four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, All-Rookie Team and Pro Bowl as a rookie, barely any fumbles, three playoff appearances here. Played every game before tearing his Achilles early in 2025 with the Chargers (signed in free agency). A true, three-down workhorse who broke countless tackles. If he returns healthy, he’s still a high-floor RB1. It’ll stings to see that production elsewhere after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option.
Travis Etienne Jr. (Jaguars): Second and the most explosive when healthy. Missed rookie year (Lisfranc injury) but has delivered 1,000+ rushing yards in three of four seasons since, plus strong postseason play in 2022 and 2025. Jaguars picked up his fifth-year option. His receiving skills and home-run ability keep him ahead—a dynamic back.
Javonte Williams (Cowboys, Broncos): Third. Strong All-Rookie start, but a major knee injury in 2022 set him back. Rebounded in 2023-24 with Denver, then signed with Dallas. He posted a career-high rushing total and double-digit TDs in 2025 before a late-season shoulder injury landed him on IR. Trending up as a physical, receiving back—outlook solid for 2026 if he recovers from his injury.
Trey Sermon (49ers/Eagles/Colts/Steelers): Last. Journeyman has already played for four different teams, including a brief Steelers stint with minimal impact. Doubled career offensive snaps in 2024 but gained little scrimmage yards. Currently a free agent—depth/special teams at best.
Harris was the real deal Pittsburgh—durable, productive, and a true RB1 for four years. We’ll never know if one more year with Jaylen Warren could’ve changed things. Etienne has the highest ceiling, Williams has upside if healthy, but Sermon is forgettable. The new Steelers staff better bolster the RB room in free agency or the draft.
TIGHT END
Name G Snaps O/ST TGTs RECs Yds Suc% Y/R Y/G Catch % Drop% Pts
Kyle Pitts 78 3,604/3 451 284 3579 49.7 12.6 45.9 63.0 4.2 90
Pat Freiermuth 78 3,198/210 356 261 2,676 55.3 10.3 34.3 73.3 2.8 136
Hunter Long 46 775/426 29 20 153 62.1 7.7 3.3 69.0 17.2 18
Tommy Tremble 78 2,740/776 168 112 1031 48.2 9.2 13.2 66.7 3.6 74
Tre McKitty 34 844/110 26 16 117 34.6 7.3 3.4 61.5 7.7 0
Players listed in order drafted
Career Earnings and Relative Value
Here is a chart showing career earnings from Over the Cap with their overall selection in the draft and how I ranked them:
Name Drafted by Drafted/OA Rank Earnings
Pat Freiermuth Steelers Round 2/55 1 $26,931,156
Kyle Pitts Falcons Round 1 / 4 2 $43,788,496
Tommy Tremble Panthers Round 3/83 3 $14,210,647
Hunter Long Dolphins Round 3/81 4 $7,351,049
Tre McKitty Chargers Round 3/97 5 $3,044,056
Tight End Summary
I have Pat Freiermuth as the top tight end in the 2021 draft over Kyle Pitts. He leads Pitts in scoring, successful reception rate, and catch percentage. The Steelers signed Freiermuth to a four-year, $48.4 million extension in September 2024—well deserved for our reliable red-zone threat.
Kyle Pitts (Falcons) is a strong second. He edges Freiermuth in yards per catch, receiving yards, and yards per game. Atlanta exercised his fifth-year option in April 2024. Pitts, a Pro Bowler as a rookie, remains a matchup nightmare when schemed right.
Tommy Tremble (Panthers) easily outranks the other third rounders. He leads them in receptions, receiving yards, scoring, and has the group’s lowest drop rate. A strong blocking TE with reliable hands.
Hunter Long (Rams, Dolphins) ranks fourth. Traded to Rams in 2023 and missed most of that year with a thigh injury. Played all 17 games in 2024 but in a limited role—scored his first NFL touchdown off a blocked punt in the Rams’ win over Buffalo. Depth/blocking TE with flashes.
Tre McKitty (Browns, Chargers) brings up the rear. Played 17 games for the Chargers in 2022 as a primary blocker, but production remained minimal. Released in 2023 after six games. Signed by Cleveland in December 2024 but received no playing time—on Reserve/Future contract for 2025.
Pat Freiermuth continues to show untapped potential. Looking forward to the new Steelers staff featuring him more in the passing game in 2026—he’s our one bright spot from this draft and a cornerstone to build around. Pitts has the highest ceiling, but Freiermuth has delivered more consistently for us. Solid class headlined by our guy.
CENTER
Name G GS O/ST Snaps Accepted Penalties Penalty Yards Declined or offset Sacks Given up Snaps per Penalty Snaps per Sack
Landon Dickerson 78 77 4,833/348 35 268 3 18 148.0 268.5
Josh Myers 73 73 4,529/153 13 114 2 12 360.2 377.4
Creed Humphrey 85 85 5,623/397 16 189 4 8 376.2 702.9
Kendrick Green 37 19 1,363/100 7 65 2 5 209.0 272.6
Robert Hainsey 75 50 3,353/127 11 80 2 8 316.4 419.1
Quinn Meinerz 79 73 4,608/298 13 69 3 12 377.4 384.0
Drew Dalman 74 57 3,761/79 15 145 4 5 256.0 752.2
Players listed in order drafted
Career Earnings and Relative Value
Here is a chart showing career earnings from Over the Cap with their overall selection in the draft and how I ranked them:
Name Drafted by Drafted/OA Rank Earnings
Creed Humphrey Chiefs Round 2/63 1 $30,536,316
Landon Dickerson Eagles Round 2/37 2 $35,706,215
Josh Myers Packers Round 2/62 3 $12,075,213
Quinn Meinerz Broncos Round 3/98 4 $27,473,233
Drew Dalman Falcons Round 4/114 6 $24,317,724
Robert Hainsey Buccaneers Round 3/95 5 $13,827,548
Kendrick Green Steelers Round 3/87 7 $5,353,264
Center Summary
This 2021 center/interior offensive linemen draft class has delivered high-end starters and reliable contributors, with Creed Humphrey emerging as the clear standout. Rankings prioritize durability, protection, run blocking, and accolades.
Creed Humphrey (Chiefs) leads the group decisively. Has started every game over four seasons, earning three Pro Bowls, first-team All-Pro (2024), and second-team All-Pro honors. Elite efficiency as a ferocious run blocker. The Chiefs signed him to a four-year, $72 million extension in August 2024—on a Hall of Fame trajectory as K.C.’s offensive line anchor.
Landon Dickerson (Eagles) ranks second. Shifted to left guard, making three Pro Bowls and signing a four-year, $84 million extension before 2024. Aggressive style draws penalties more frequently than peers but hasn’t slowed down Philly’s offense. Elite play strength and consistency make him a top-tier guard.
Quinn Meinerz (Broncos) is third and rising fast. Has started at guard due to injuries and steadily improved in pass protection. Earned first-team All-Pro (2024) and alternate Pro Bowl nod (declined). Broncos locked him up with a four-year, $80 million extension before 2024—strong trajectory.
Drew Dalman (Bears, Falcons) ranks fourth. Started at center after rookie backup role; emerged as Atlanta’s line leader but missed time with injuries. Solid value as a fourth rounder—signed three-year, $42 million deal with Bears in 2025 free agency. Consistent when healthy.
Josh Myers (Jets, Packers) is fifth. Durable starter post-rookie year but has graded low in protection. Athletic but replacement-level center—traded to Jets, not a long-term answer.
Robert Hainsey (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is sixth. Started all 34 games in 2022-23 but regressed; shifted to swing tackle in 2024. Solid early but overtaken by competition.
Kendrick Green (Texans, Steelers) last. Rough start in Pittsburgh (bull-rush issues, penalties, injuries); traded mid-career. Backup role with minimal impact—free agent in 2025.
Creed Humphrey is the class star—elite, durable, and already established as KC’s anchor. Landon Dickerson is not far behind Humphrey. For us, Kendrick Green converting to center was a bust. A painful reminder of Kevin Colbert’s poor evaluations at the end of a storied career. Humphrey shows what a home-run pick looks like. Solid class headlined by two All-Pro anchors. We just missed.
Day Three Selections
Pittsburgh made six Day 3 selections in 2021.
Name POS G/GS O/D Snaps ST Snaps Draft Pick Earnings
Dan Moore Jr. LT 82/82 5,255 234 4/128 $36,458,900
Buddy Johnson LB 33/0 39 633 4/140 $3,492,899
Isaiahh Loudermilk DE 60/7 844 363 5/156 $5,427,788
Quincy Roche DL 17/3 407 137 6/216 $1,385,909
Tre Norwood DB 32/6 631 358 7/245 $1,723,440
Pressley Harvin III P 47/0 0 409 7/254 $2,505,732
The Steelers’ Day 3 picks provided one long-term starter, depth/special teams contributors, and several who didn’t last. Here’s the updated look through 2025.
Dan Moore Jr. (Round 4) — The biggest win from this group. Won the starting left tackle job as a rookie and started 82 games over four seasons, missing just two games. Steady, underappreciated presence—but play slipped at times. Always available but his pass blocking could be a liability. Over five years PFF charges Moore with 44 sacks allowed. Hit free agency in 2025 and left Pittsburgh for Tennessee where he started 16 games. Dylan Cook looks stronger in the position.
Buddy Johnson (Round 4) — Played just 33 games (mostly special teams) and never made a real defensive mark. Waived after 2021, bounced around practice squads (49ers, Texans, Bears), and landed with Dallas for ST work in 2023-24. Career ended as a fringe-roster player.
Isaiahh Loudermilk (Round 5) — Rotational depth and special teams contributor. He has played 60 games, starting seven. Has shown flashes knocking down passes at the line and in run defense, but more talented players passed him by. Unrestricted free agent in 2026—could return cheap but Pittsburgh is unlikely to re-sign him.
Quincy Roche (Round 6) — Brief flash. Signed by Giants off waivers in 2021, played 17 games with significant defensive snaps as a rookie. Released after three games in 2022. Brief Steelers stint and other looks in 2023, but no NFL action since. His career stalled early.
Tre Norwood (Round 7) — Early promise as a late steal. Played 32 games with 61 combined tackles, 4 PDs, and 1 INT as a slot cornerback. Waived in 2023. Last NFL action was in 2022; signed with Birmingham Stallions (UFL) in 2024. Depth player who didn’t stick.
Pressley Harvin III (Round 7) — Beat out incumbent Jordan Berry and made PFWA All-Rookie team in 2021. Inconsistent (shanked punts, erratic at times) but improved in 2022 second half and saved FGs with wild-snap recoveries. Ranked 28th in average in 2022. Signed with San Francisco in 2024 but didn’t make roster—hasn’t punted since.
Dan Moore was the real hit—four years as a dependable but flawed left tackle before walking in free agency in 2025. Loudermilk has provided depth/ST value. The rest (Johnson, Roche, Norwood, Harvin) offered brief flashes or special teams help but didn’t become long-term pieces. Kevin Colbert’s final Day 3 haul was solid for depth but lacked impact. With Moore gone and Loudermilk likely leaving, not much left.
Recent Depot Articles on the Class of 2021
Here are links to recent Steelers Depot articles on the Steelers’ 2021 draft class:
Conclusion
The Steelers selected nine players in the 2021 draft. The draft initially produced a starting running back, tight end, and left tackle. But by 2025, only Pat Freiermuth remained in a diminished role. Isaiahh Loudermilk played five seasons as a rotational DL, but he’s a pending free agent. We’ll see if the new coaching staff can rejuvenate Freiermuth and if it retains Loudermilk or lets him go – that’s all that’s left.
Overall, a few contributing players. But depending on how free agency goes, the Steelers could be down to just one of their 2021 draft picks in 2026. Early optimism faded to one lonely rider.
Your Music Selection
I always like to include a bit of music. The Steelers could be down to one player from this draft class after free agency. Here is Dust in the Wind performed by Kansas.
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