Going into the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers were trying to compete during Ben Roethlisberger's final year with the team. They had clear needs along the offensive line, running back, tight end, and other positions. One thing is clear: the Steelers draft class that year brought some notable names to the club, but they could've produced a much stronger draft class.
The rules of this re-draft exercise will allow the Steelers to take any player taken after Pittsburgh's pick in a specific round, including their own original selection.
If a player was still on the board during the team's pick during the 2021 NFL Draft, then they are fair game to be an option. This re-draft process exposed that the Steelers could've produced one of the strongest draft classes in recent memory.
Pittsburgh Steelers draft group in 2021 gets total rehaul in fantastic re-draft class
Steelers original 2021 NFL Draft Pick: Najee Harris
It was obvious that the Steelers wanted Najee Harris at the draft, and he produced a decent career. In this re-draft, they go with Creed Humphrey. Having Big Ben behind a center who has produced an elite career would've done wonders for the offense.
Harris was a decent first-round pick, but Humphrey not only warrants this selection, but he is one of the best players at his position in the NFL.
Steelers original 2021 NFL Draft pick: Pat Freiermuth
Neglecting the tight end position in this draft redo is bold, but something the Steelers could scrape by without. They go with Milton Williams as the investment into the trenches that would've saved the team long-term headaches in the years that followed. Williams took a little while to catch on in the NFL, but he figured it out, and it led to him being one of the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league.
Steelers original 2021 NFL Draft pick: Kendrick Green
They had Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson on the team, but looking back at things, Claypool was going to start his decline. Having Amon-Ra St. Brown on the roster would have been a fantastic addition. He remains one of the most reliable and tough receivers to date.
Having St. Brown on the Steelers would've been a perfect fit with what the franchise embodies.
Steelers original 2021 NFL Draft pick: Dan Moore Jr.
Steelers Nation is going to hate taking Dan Moore Jr. again, but the team desperately needed a left tackle at this point. Moore wasn't a good player for the club, but at the NFL Draft, they had few options to consider. Reviewing the other options in this re-draft, it makes sense just to stick with their original pick. Moore isn't a solid starter, but at least he can fill into that role for the time being.
Steelers original 2021 NFL Draft pick: Buddy Johnson
The fact that they wasted a pick on Buddy Johnson here with other quality options available is disheartening. Jonathan Cooper would have been a superb pick at this point during the 2021 NFL Draft. He was taken in the seventh round, but he has turned into a strong edge rusher for the Broncos. Cooper would've been a solid role player for Pittsburgh's defense.
Steelers original 2021 NFL Draft pick: Isaiahh Loudermilk
Not only did they take Isaiahh Loudermilk, but the Steelers traded up to draft him. He was alright during his time with the team, but nothing more than a run-stuffing depth player. They should've taken Talanoa Hufanga as they did in this re-draft process. The safety has turned out to be one of the best at his position.
Hufanga was terrific value, and his skill at the position would've saved many headaches in the secondary.
Steelers original 2021 NFL Draft pick: Quincy Roche
Going with another addition along the offensive line to protect the old Ben Roethlisberger by adding Trey Smith. He turned out to be one of the best guards in the NFL over the years and continues to produce a strong career. He had some position versatility coming into the league and should've been their choice. Boosting the offensive line would've been beneficial for the Steelers at the time.
Steelers original 2021 NFL Draft pick: Tre Norwood
Beefing up the offensive line was something the team ignored for too long. Will Fries isn't a grand addition to this re-draft class, but he is someone with position versatility who has started plenty of games during his professional career. Fries has played snaps in the NFL at offensive tackle and at guard.
Pittsburgh would have lucked out by filling out their offensive line depth by selecting Fries.
Steelers original 2021 NFL Draft pick: Pressley Harvin III
No one would want to go back to Pressley Harvin III in this re-draft, and the Steelers refuse to go that route. Instead, they stick with a punter by picking Drue Chrisman, who went undrafted. While Chrisman didn't produce a strong NFL career, it would've been better than Harvin's production. Pittsburgh needed a punter, and it was slim pickings to round out this 2021 NFL Draft class.
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Follow