The Steelers trade into the 5th round to select DE Isaiahh Loudermilk #156 overall.

[BlackAndGold]

1388562354107994116



1388561977220415489

[BlackAndGold]

1388563786668380160

[teegre]

One Steelers outlet says he will add 20 pounds and play DE.

Another Steelers site says he will drop 10 pounds and play OLB.


So....

[Fire Goodell]

well it's a trade with the dolphins so i'm assuming it'll work out for us :chuckle:

[BlackAndGold]

Big yikes if he doesn't make the team.


and the Ravens just picked Shaun Wade, great.

[teegre]

well it's a trade with the dolphins so i'm assuming it'll work out for us :chuckle:

:applaudit:

[st33lersguy]

They reached for a defensive lineman instead of drafting Shaun Wade (who is now a Ratbird), not only that they trade a R4 pick for a R5 pick. This is a Bill O Brien move

[Lloydwoodsonjr]

They reached for a defensive lineman instead of drafting Shaun Wade (who is now a Ratbird), not only that they trade a R4 pick for a R5 pick. This is a Bill O Brien move

Wrong. Can't trust a man with two first names.

[RunNGun]

One Steelers outlet says he will add 20 pounds and play DE.

Another Steelers site says he will drop 10 pounds and play OLB.


So....

He's a DE. Could cut weight to play edge in a 4-3, but not 3-4, imo

[BlackAndGold]

1388567427185889287

Idk about this.

[teegre]

He's a DE. Could cut weight to play edge in a 4-3, but not 3-4, imo

You would think so. But...

- - - Updated - - -


1388567427185889287

Idk about this.

...there is this.

[BlackAndGold]

1388567888915832840

[teegre]

When I saw the TRADE alert, I immediately thought: CB.

This pick will be compared to three players: Shaun Wade (who everyone wanted), Keith Taylor (my steal of the draft), and Ar'Darius Washington (who we could still possibly draft in R6).

[Mojouw]

Loudermilk is a high effort all out kinda player. He got better every season at UW.

I think he is exactly what everyone thinks he is - piece of the puzzle at DE in the 3-4. OLB? Man...that seems to be asking alot of the guy. He didn't play in space at all at UW. I don't think he has any experience turning his hips and running with skill position players...

As a rotational DE/OLB hybrid that is just asked to help defend the run and put pressure on the passer? Sure. As a starter at either of those spots? Nope.

[ThorndikeFFA]

At this time this pick looks to be the first WTF pick of the draft. Where's the help at CB?

[Dreegking]

I’m scratching.

[HollywoodSteel]

I think the 305 pound center we drafted has a better 40 time. This guy would have to transform physically to play OLB.

[BlackAndGold]

1388571911572107272

[teegre]

1388571911572107272

There is a reason that Dulac has me BLOCKED on Twitter. :toofunny:

[RunNGun]

We need Dline depth. I'm not surprised by the pick. He's got a Brett Kiesel feel to him.

[Shoes]

He was on their board for a reason. Just have to wait and see, hope he works out.

[teegre]

Colbert was on here and saw all of the negative comments about Harris and Freiermuth... and was like: " You want to complain... alright, here is something to complain about!!!"

:lol:

[HollywoodSteel]

1388571911572107272

Okay, I think this is more realistic.

But who do we currently have as OLB back ups? Is alphabet currently on the roster?

I have a feeling we pick up some UDFAs at the position.

[teegre]

Okay, I think this is more realistic.

But who do we currently have as OLB back ups? Is alphabet currently on the roster?

I have a feeling we pick up some UDFAs at the position.

Olaqwerty is gone (Titans).

Cassius Marsh is our only backup. :scared:

[Shoes]

#97



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8vsp40zQNU

[Fire Goodell]

Olaqwerty is gone (Titans).

Cassius Marsh is our only backup. :scared:

Cassius who? :chuckle:

[HollywoodSteel]

Olaqwerty is gone (Titans).

Cassius Marsh is our only backup. :scared:

I guess we’re going to need some undrafted camp phenom to give us all hope.

If I were an undrafted edge rusher I’d want to go to the Steelers because odds are you’ll make the team.

[lipps83]

Well, how loud can milk get really?

[Born2Steel]

#97



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8vsp40zQNU

His highlights music sounds like porno music. Hilarious!

[teegre]

Coach Dunbar says that Loudermilk can & will play end AND nose tackle.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

1388567888915832840

According to Wisconsin Pro day, he ran a 4.95, didnt post a 3-cone and put up a 4.40 short shuttle(which puts him in the 88th percentile according to PFF)

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ykK8LNNqib5uvXnNS-vvF8suMv0=/0x0:752x488/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:752x488):format(webp):no_upscale ()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22360261/Screenshot_2021_03_10_at_1.23.56_PM.png

https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2021/3/10/22323733/wisconsin-badgers-football-pro-day-recap-isaiahh-loudermilk-cole-van-lanen-rachad-wildgoose

[BlackAndGold]

According to Wisconsin Pro day, he ran a 4.95, didnt post a 3-cone and put up a 4.40 short shuttle(which puts him in the 88th percentile according to PFF)

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ykK8LNNqib5uvXnNS-vvF8suMv0=/0x0:752x488/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:752x488):format(webp):no_upscale ()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22360261/Screenshot_2021_03_10_at_1.23.56_PM.png

https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2021/3/10/22323733/wisconsin-badgers-football-pro-day-recap-isaiahh-loudermilk-cole-van-lanen-rachad-wildgoose

Interesting. Looks like we all need to learn about him as a prospect.

[Mojouw]

OK. That all makes far more sense.

On a team where UDFA Henry Mondeaux played a surprisingly high amount of snaps...this makes sense.

Although I do really question if they needed to trade up or whatever to make this happen...but I will leave that to others to thrash out.

As a rotational DL depth piece, I think that makes all the sense in the world. Like I said, Loudermilk plays all out every snap and seems to have a knack for coming up with big plays in big spots.

[BlackAndGold]

1388631984369545218

[pczach]

Loudermilk is a football player. He isn't going to wow you with his testing, but the guy shows up when you watch the team play. He's a tough guy that can be moved around along the LOS. He has a great motor and plays with football smarts.

Let's see what is asked of him and what he can do before we decide he's a wasted pick please.

[86WARD]

Brett Keisel was a wasted pick. Antonio Brown was a wasted pick. Remember Dotson was a wasted pick too...Steelers have had lots of wasted picks.

[hawaiiansteeler]

DL coach Karl Dunbar's quote about trading up for Loudermilk:

"A good DL is like a pretty woman. everybody wants one but there aren't a lot of them."

[ThorndikeFFA]

After looking over some stuff on this kid and what the Steeler staff is saying, he looks to fit the Kiesel, Aaron Smith sort of body type. 6'6" and 290, good motor, not flashy, comes to work, holds his ground, and does all of those things that generally don't show up on a stats sheet. We'll see.

[Mojouw]

This pick is a great example of the often large disconnect between draft info available to fans and how NFL teams see it.

If other NFL teams rated the dude like the Steelers did it is a savvy trade. If he was rated like the draft inter had it it; it was a reach.

[Fire Goodell]

i prefer quieter milk but i guess this pick will do

[Shoes]

DL coach Karl Dunbar's quote about trading up for Loudermilk:

"A good DL is like a pretty woman. everybody wants one but there aren't a lot of them."

Indeed, worth a listen.


https://www.steelers.com/video/dunbar-it-s-a-really-good-get-for-the-steelers

- - - Updated - - -


Brett Keisel was a wasted pick. Antonio Brown was a wasted pick. Remember Dotson was a wasted pick too...Steelers have had lots of wasted picks.

Yes, everyone knows everything these days. Just look at all these blogging sites and YouTube, you have millions of "experts" filming themselves telling the world how wonderful they are. Such a sad need for attention.

[stillers4me]

Colbert says they expect to get a 4th round comp pick next year so they felt comfortable trading to get a guy on their list.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Interesting. Looks like we all need to learn about him as a prospect.

Yup, but that is why its sometimes frustrating that people just repeat false information about stuff. It took me literally 1 minute on a google search to find the U of W chart from the Pro Day. Dulac needs to be better and Alex should be checking things before tweeting that too. Now there will be Steeler fans complaining about how slow Loudermilk is for years(hopefully he is here for a while)

[Mojouw]

Yup, but that is why its sometimes frustrating that people just repeat false information about stuff. It took me literally 1 minute on a google search to find the U of W chart from the Pro Day. Dulac needs to be better and Alex should be checking things before tweeting that too. Now there will be Steeler fans complaining about how slow Loudermilk is for years(hopefully he is here for a while)

Cam Heyward is listed as having a 4.92 40 yard dash time and a 30" vertical and the rest he didn't do because of a pre-draft surgery.

Here are Alualu's #'s for comparison: https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/tyson-alualu

So...to me...it looks like Loudermilk is a bit athletically behind two first round picks...but not the lumbering ox that some Twitter reactions originally pegged him as?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Cam Heyward is listed as having a 4.92 40 yard dash time and a 30" vertical and the rest he didn't do because of a pre-draft surgery.

Here are Alualu's #'s for comparison: https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/tyson-alualu

So...to me...it looks like Loudermilk is a bit athletically behind two first round picks...but not the lumbering ox that some Twitter reactions originally pegged him as?

Why didnt the pundits on Twitter mention that his short shuttle time is in the 88%? It demonstrates the quickness in change of direction, which you see on film. They want to hack on a 40 time, when nobody expects in interior lineman to run 40 yards on a play. Just dumb.

IMO, he does a nice job of striking the O lineman, getting arm extension and then getting off the block, when getting to the football. You can see it on that highlight reel Shoes posted when he is making tackles in the backfield. I don't see a young Cam, but more of a taller Chris Hoke. His tape impresses more than Carlos Davis did from Nebraska. I like the pick....younger DE depth was needed.

[Mojouw]

Why didnt the pundits on Twitter mention that his short shuttle time is in the 88%? It demonstrates the quickness in change of direction, which you see on film. They want to hack on a 40 time, when nobody expects in interior lineman to run 40 yards on a play. Just dumb.

IMO, he does a nice job of striking the O lineman, getting arm extension and then getting off the block, when getting to the football. You can see it on that highlight reel Shoes posted when he is making tackles in the backfield. I don't see a young Cam, but more of a taller Chris Hoke. His tape impresses more than Carlos Davis did from Nebraska. I like the pick....younger DE depth was needed.

Agreed. My initial reaction was surprise because most places had the player rated fairly low. But remember what he did at UW in a version of the 3-4 - it is really easy to see what the Steelers like about him.

I also think that Loudermilk is one of several annual examples where the internal NFL evaluation of players across the league is different than the external internet scouting community evaluations.

[pczach]

Why didnt the pundits on Twitter mention that his short shuttle time is in the 88%? It demonstrates the quickness in change of direction, which you see on film. They want to hack on a 40 time, when nobody expects in interior lineman to run 40 yards on a play. Just dumb.

IMO, he does a nice job of striking the O lineman, getting arm extension and then getting off the block, when getting to the football. You can see it on that highlight reel Shoes posted when he is making tackles in the backfield. I don't see a young Cam, but more of a taller Chris Hoke. His tape impresses more than Carlos Davis did from Nebraska. I like the pick....younger DE depth was needed.



Yep. They don't mention things that don't fit the narrative.

You also don't hear it talked about a lot, but having long players with huge wingspans at the LOS can make life difficult for QB's. With his length he is able to get pass deflections or tips at the LOS. He can effect throwing lanes with his reach or when he's bearing down on the QB. He is disruptive in that way at the LOS when I have seen him play quite a few times. Guys like that have a knack of timing putting their hands up and help teams get off the field on passing downs without ever getting near the quarterback. Length is always a valuable asset in and of itself.

He has always struck me as a savvy player that understands when he isn't going to get to a play. He knows how to time his jumps, and is always very active in all respects. As a Penn State fan, I have seen him more than a few times in direct matchups and in big games against other power teams.

The guy an play. I don't know what he will do at the NFL level, but he certainly has more tools than some of these people are giving him credit for. And all they had to do to know that is watch some football games with him in it, or maybe watch some film before they just trash the guy. That's what's so frustrating about it. We comment on what we think the abilities and limitations are with prospects, but those comments are based on what we see....not what someone told us or what we read in a magazine.

[pczach]

Agreed. My initial reaction was surprise because most places had the player rated fairly low. But remember what he did at UW in a version of the 3-4 - it is really easy to see what the Steelers like about him.

I also think that Loudermilk is one of several annual examples where the internal NFL evaluation of players across the league is different than the external internet scouting community evaluations.



He is a player that does a lot of the little things well. He is in the right place at the right time. He has the discipline to handle his responsibilities on a given play. He doesn't always dominate people, but when he can't get to the QB he gets his hands up. He stays home when it is his assignment. He seems to have good play recognition because I have seen him sniff out plays on the field like he knows the play is coming.

He isn't a "Wow" guy with testing, and he isn't putting up huge sack numbers that get everyone's attention. He's a smart, active, football player with great awareness and effort. He has a knack for making plays in some big moments of games with pressure or a big tackle for no gain. He's more subtle because he doesn't jump off the page when looking at his stats, but when you watch him play he always seems to be having an impact.

[Mojouw]

He is a player that does a lot of the little things well. He is in the right place at the right time. He has the discipline to handle his responsibilities on a given play. He doesn't always dominate people, but when he can't get to the QB he gets his hands up. He stays home when it is his assignment. He seems to have good play recognition because I have seen him sniff out plays on the field like he knows the play is coming.

He isn't a "Wow" guy with testing, and he isn't putting up huge sack numbers that get everyone's attention. He's a smart, active, football player with great awareness and effort. He has a knack for making plays in some big moments of games with pressure or a big tackle for no gain. He's more subtle because he doesn't jump off the page when looking at his stats, but when you watch him play he always seems to be having an impact.

I see him as a "worker bee" kinda player on defense that will allow the "splashy star" guys to make plays. He is a complementary piece. And this is super valuable.

And, based on how they went after him, the Steelers seem to think he can be even more than that. Should be pretty clear by end of preseason.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Agreed. My initial reaction was surprise because most places had the player rated fairly low. But remember what he did at UW in a version of the 3-4 - it is really easy to see what the Steelers like about him.

I also think that Loudermilk is one of several annual examples where the internal NFL evaluation of players across the league is different than the external internet scouting community evaluations.

True, Lance Zeirline had Loudermilk as a UDFA-Day 3 potential, "lacks foot quickness to work around a block", "goes on a ride in lateral block engagements", "will get some movement as a rusher, but not enough to play on passing downs."

So why dont you trust the negative scouting reports on him and trust the Steelers internal evaluation on Loudermilk, yet dont trust the Steelers internal evaluations on Friermuth and gravitate to the negative traits with him?? Just curious.

[Mojouw]

True, Lance Zeirline had Loudermilk as a UDFA-Day 3 potential, "lacks foot quickness to work around a block", "goes on a ride in lateral block engagements", "will get some movement as a rusher, but not enough to play on passing downs."

So why dont you trust the negative scouting reports on him and trust the Steelers internal evaluation on Loudermilk, yet dont trust the Steelers internal evaluations on Friermuth and gravitate to the negative traits with him?? Just curious.

Because one was the 55th pick in the draft and the other was like 155th or something. If they are wrong on Loudermilk...so what? The "opportunity cost" of rolling the dice to find out is pretty low. If they are wrong on Freiermuth, it has implications for the entire rest of the draft and there was likely several players that end up being pretty good that could have been selected instead.

Additionally, at the point they drafted him I see Loudermilk as a rotational player used to soak up 15 snaps a game or something. He just has to be not awful. PF was drafted to start on offense by 2022. That is a big difference.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Because one was the 55th pick in the draft and the other was like 155th or something. If they are wrong on Loudermilk...so what? The "opportunity cost" of rolling the dice to find out is pretty low. If they are wrong on Freiermuth, it has implications for the entire rest of the draft and there was likely several players that end up being pretty good that could have been selected instead.

Additionally, at the point they drafted him I see Loudermilk as a rotational player used to soak up 15 snaps a game or something. He just has to be not awful. PF was drafted to start on offense by 2022. That is a big difference.

OK, and the Steelers (plus the majority of draft reports from guys with knowledge like Zeirlin, Brooks, Jeremiah, etc) internal evaluation had him worthy of a 2nd round pick. So again you trust them trading away a 4th for a 5th to get a guy, but dont trust them using a 2nd round pick for a guy widely thought of as the 2nd best TE in the class with a 2nd round grade.

Either way, "opportunity cost" is now irrelevant. It's all a "sunk cost" as the picks have been made. So for every Jamain Stephens, Ricardo Colclough, Limas Sweed, Senquez Golson the Steeler pick in the first 2 days, you get Vince Williams(6th round), Antonio Brown, Brett Keisel(7th), Mike Hilton (UDFA), Ramon Foster(UDFA).

Bucky Brooks says that Friermuth reminds him of Jason Witten. https://www.nfl.com/videos/bucky-brooks-why-pat-freiermuth-reminds-me-of-jason-witten

Lance Zeirlien has a pro comp of Tyler Eiffert and a 2nd round grade. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/pat-freiermuth/32004652-4543-9769-d771-bdf1de25cd8b

I'm gonna trust the Steelers on this one and enjoy the selection.

[Mojouw]

OK, and the Steelers (plus the majority of draft reports from guys with knowledge like Zeirlin, Brooks, Jeremiah, etc) internal evaluation had him worthy of a 2nd round pick. So again you trust them trading away a 4th for a 5th to get a guy, but dont trust them using a 2nd round pick for a guy widely thought of as the 2nd best TE in the class with a 2nd round grade.

Either way, "opportunity cost" is now irrelevant. It's all a "sunk cost" as the picks have been made. So for every Jamain Stephens, Ricardo Colclough, Limas Sweed, Senquez Golson the Steeler pick in the first 2 days, you get Vince Williams(6th round), Antonio Brown, Brett Keisel(7th), Mike Hilton (UDFA), Ramon Foster(UDFA).

Bucky Brooks says that Friermuth reminds him of Jason Witten. https://www.nfl.com/videos/bucky-brooks-why-pat-freiermuth-reminds-me-of-jason-witten

Lance Zeirlien has a pro comp of Tyler Eiffert and a 2nd round grade. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/pat-freiermuth/32004652-4543-9769-d771-bdf1de25cd8b

I'm gonna trust the Steelers on this one and enjoy the selection.

I must have a mental block or something. I don’t know. But every “good blocker” report, quote, video, etc just says that dude is a good blocker because he’s 6’5” 250# and tries hard. They literally never show him actually doing that. On the other hand there are many reports, videos, whatever that show PF looking a lot more like Jesse James than Kittle as a blocker.

That is the part I’m trying to understand. Why do so many project PF as an impact blocker but lack evidence of that? It seems to all be based on a belief that he will get bigger, stronger, faster. Or are there gameplay and technical stuff that also provide the basis for the evaluation?

Even the list of evaluations that were posted in the other thread offered no visual evidence to support the “good blocker” evaluation. Most reports I’ve read are basically he’s so big and look at the soft hands! But then they show tape and it’s all about don’t worry he’ll get better.

That seems troubling. But I’m like the only one so there’s gotta be something I’m missing.

[DesertSteel]

Maybe....... in college PF wasn’t asked to do a lot of blocking. I couldn’t tell you as I probably saw 2-3 PSU games the past couple years.

[teegre]

Before the draft, one site (mocking the draft?) had its comp for Loudermilk as being Aaron Smith... and that the perfect team for Loudermilk to join would be the Steelers.

The latter came true... let’s hope for the first part, as well.

[EzraTank]

i prefer quieter milk but i guess this pick will do

https://media1.giphy.com/media/qHBQgnVdZIu88/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47kv3vo0o9r5az4lnpiv8gfzesgn3h 27qeobazetdj&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

[pczach]

I must have a mental block or something. I don’t know. But every “good blocker” report, quote, video, etc just says that dude is a good blocker because he’s 6’5” 250# and tries hard. They literally never show him actually doing that. On the other hand there are many reports, videos, whatever that show PF looking a lot more like Jesse James than Kittle as a blocker.

That is the part I’m trying to understand. Why do so many project PF as an impact blocker but lack evidence of that? It seems to all be based on a belief that he will get bigger, stronger, faster. Or are there gameplay and technical stuff that also provide the basis for the evaluation?

Even the list of evaluations that were posted in the other thread offered no visual evidence to support the “good blocker” evaluation. Most reports I’ve read are basically he’s so big and look at the soft hands! But then they show tape and it’s all about don’t worry he’ll get better.

That seems troubling. But I’m like the only one so there’s gotta be something I’m missing.




Do you remember when Bud Dupree needed to develop before he became a difference maker?

Dupree needed 3 years before he really started to come into his own. many of us believed he had what it took in him to get to the quarterback consistently, even though he never showed it. He developed his talent to the point that it started to show up on the field.

Freiermuth needs to develop as a blocker. He needs to work to improve route running and learning how to operate in an NFL offense where he is having to read defenses and what his responsibilities are based on the defense teams are in.

With that said, Freiermuth is much further along than Bud Dupree was when he entered the NFL IMO. He can come right in and do some things. He will be a factor much quicker than what you saw from Dupree. I think that he will flash a lot in his rookie season, and you will get an idea of his ceiling pretty quickly when you get to see him play.

Just knowing his body type and his strength tells you what he could be capable of as a blocker with work. Nothing has a 100% certainty rate, but there are certain things you know when you look at enough football players and evaluate them over time. He has the base to work with with his lower body, and he has enough upper body strength to be able to handle blocking duties by practicing technique and working hard in the weight room and the practice field in drills with position-specific coaching.

You are also making too much out of the blocking, because that will continue to improve in time. Just as Bud Dupree couldn't develop counter moves and couldn't get to the quarterback for a few years, you could see the talent was there, but he needed to figure it out.

In the other thread you compared him to possibly being a slightly better Jesse James or a healthier version of McDonald. Both those comparisons don't really work because he is superior in many parts of the game to both players.

James is a limited player. He offers very little lateral movement. He also isn't very good as a blocker and cannot run after the catch. He has pretty good hands, but doesn't have much athleticism and body control to adjust to the ball in the air and control his feet. Jesse James is not in the same league as Freiermuth.

McDonald is similar in size, but he drops passes and doesn't have the overall receiving skills that PF has. McDonald is a blunt instrument that stops himself half the time with drops. McDonald never showed to have a feel for the passing game at all.

PF has tremendous natural receiving skills. He has quicker feet and is able to run better routes than both. He has better hands than both TE's. He has tremendous natural hands and has the body control to adjust to the ball in the air and make difficult catches and contested catches. He has a good feel for finding space in the defense to create opportunities for his QB. He is awesome in the red zone. He can go up and high point passes with his strong hands. He can also use his size to box out defenders. He is the type of player that you can throw the ball to when he isn't open because he is a physical mismatch that comes down with a lot of 50/50 balls.

I understand that sometimes this stuff is hard to see. I had the opportunity to see nearly every game of his career, so I have seen what he could do game in and game out. He is a problem for other teams to deal with. When he maximizes his considerable talent at the NFL level, I believe he is going to be a very good player for a long time.

[Mojouw]

Do you remember when Bud Dupree needed to develop before he became a difference maker?

Dupree needed 3 years before he really started to come into his own. many of us believed he had what it took in him to get to the quarterback consistently, even though he never showed it. He developed his talent to the point that it started to show up on the field.

Freiermuth needs to develop as a blocker. He needs to work to improve route running and learning how to operate in an NFL offense where he is having to read defenses and what his responsibilities are based on the defense teams are in.

With that said, Freiermuth is much further along than Bud Dupree was when he entered the NFL IMO. He can come right in and do some things. He will be a factor much quicker than what you saw from Dupree. I think that he will flash a lot in his rookie season, and you will get an idea of his ceiling pretty quickly when you get to see him play.

Just knowing his body type and his strength tells you what he could be capable of as a blocker with work. Nothing has a 100% certainty rate, but there are certain things you know when you look at enough football players and evaluate them over time. He has the base to work with with his lower body, and he has enough upper body strength to be able to handle blocking duties by practicing technique and working hard in the weight room and the practice field in drills with position-specific coaching.

You are also making too much out of the blocking, because that will continue to improve in time. Just as Bud Dupree couldn't develop counter moves and couldn't get to the quarterback for a few years, you could see the talent was there, but he needed to figure it out.

In the other thread you compared him to possibly being a slightly better Jesse James or a healthier version of McDonald. Both those comparisons don't really work because he is superior in many parts of the game to both players.

James is a limited player. He offers very little lateral movement. He also isn't very good as a blocker and cannot run after the catch. He has pretty good hands, but doesn't have much athleticism and body control to adjust to the ball in the air and control his feet. Jesse James is not in the same league as Freiermuth.

McDonald is similar in size, but he drops passes and doesn't have the overall receiving skills that PF has. McDonald is a blunt instrument that stops himself half the time with drops. McDonald never showed to have a feel for the passing game at all.

PF has tremendous natural receiving skills. He has quicker feet and is able to run better routes than both. He has better hands than both TE's. He has tremendous natural hands and has the body control to adjust to the ball in the air and make difficult catches and contested catches. He has a good feel for finding space in the defense to create opportunities for his QB. He is awesome in the red zone. He can go up and high point passes with his strong hands. He can also use his size to box out defenders. He is the type of player that you can throw the ball to when he isn't open because he is a physical mismatch that comes down with a lot of 50/50 balls.

I understand that sometimes this stuff is hard to see. I had the opportunity to see nearly every game of his career, so I have seen what he could do game in and game out. He is a problem for other teams to deal with. When he maximizes his considerable talent at the NFL level, I believe he is going to be a very good player for a long time.

You have watched far far more of the player than I have. You make a persuasive case. I don't really doubt that Freiermuth can impact in the NFL in the passing game. Even I can see that. I think it is where his ceiling is.

Like I said...I just don't see it as that high. Certainly not the levels that some prognosticators and pundits have for him.

To keep the comps to Steelers TEs - I feel like everyone is telling me that they drafted Heath Miller 2.0. I don't see that. And maybe I am being unfair to PF - since 2-3 years is the time to impact for most TEs anyways. In a few years...maybe the objections I have to how the pick is being characterized disappear.

[pczach]

You have watched far far more of the player than I have. You make a persuasive case. I don't really doubt that Freiermuth can impact in the NFL in the passing game. Even I can see that. I think it is where his ceiling is.

Like I said...I just don't see it as that high. Certainly not the levels that some prognosticators and pundits have for him.

To keep the comps to Steelers TEs - I feel like everyone is telling me that they drafted Heath Miller 2.0. I don't see that. And maybe I am being unfair to PF - since 2-3 years is the time to impact for most TEs anyways. In a few years...maybe the objections I have to how the pick is being characterized disappear.




Here's a link to an evaluation of Freiermuth by Jim Mora. He's not going to say much different that many others have said. I want you watch the video so you could see him running routes and releasing at the LOS at field level to give you an idea what the player moves like for a guy his size. On film, some of these big guys look lumbering. Just watch how he moves in this short video evaluation.

https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/football/penn-states-pat-freiermuth-in-the-nfl-draft

[BlackAndGold]

1389268062784864261

[Mojouw]

Thanks to all for the info and perspective. FWIW, I enjoyed the discussion.

[DesertSteel]

What's with the extra 'h' at the end of his name??

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

What's with the extra 'h' at the end of his name??
Its a silent "H" thats how all the kids spell it these days. :wink02:

[hawaiiansteeler]

What's with the extra 'h' at the end of his name??

I find that a-moo-sing.

[pczach]

Its a silent "H" thats how all the kids spell it these days. :wink02:



It's kind of like using OC for the center position. :chuckle:

[BlackAndGold]

Film Room: What Made DL Isaiahh Loudermilk An Easy Evaluation For Pittsburgh.

https://steelersdepot.com/2021/05/film-room-what-made-dl-isaiahh-loudermilk-an-easy-evaluation-for-pittsburgh/ (https://steelersdepot.com/2021/05/film-room-what-made-dl-isaiahh-loudermilk-an-easy-evaluation-for-pittsburgh/)

[Hawkman]

Film Room: What Made DL Isaiahh Loudermilk An Easy Evaluation For Pittsburgh.

https://steelersdepot.com/2021/05/film-room-what-made-dl-isaiahh-loudermilk-an-easy-evaluation-for-pittsburgh/ (https://steelersdepot.com/2021/05/film-room-what-made-dl-isaiahh-loudermilk-an-easy-evaluation-for-pittsburgh/)

Good stuff!!

[teegre]

Am I the only one who hears Dr. King Shultz telling the marshall that he has a warrant for the dear, departed sheriff… issued by circuit court judge Henry Allen Laudermilk.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Film Room: What Made DL Isaiahh Loudermilk An Easy Evaluation For Pittsburgh.

https://steelersdepot.com/2021/05/film-room-what-made-dl-isaiahh-loudermilk-an-easy-evaluation-for-pittsburgh/ (https://steelersdepot.com/2021/05/film-room-what-made-dl-isaiahh-loudermilk-an-easy-evaluation-for-pittsburgh/)

Pretty basic stuff. Just shows that Loudermilk has lined up in A, B and even C-Gap on occasion in college. By the time a D lineman is around 14, he can do that and understand his aiming points at takeoff. Plus footwork on stunts, slants, etc.

I thought the article was going to be about some technique in pad level, get off, locking out and possibly being adept at anchoring 1 gap, while being to play seek and get off his block well enough to rip crossface to another gap. I clicked on it, so I guess the bait did its job. :yawn:

[BlackAndGold]

Film Room: Does Loudermilk offer anything as a pass rusher?

https://steelersdepot.com/2021/05/film-room-does-isaiahh-loudermilk-offer-anything-as-a-pass-rusher/ (https://steelersdepot.com/2021/05/film-room-does-isaiahh-loudermilk-offer-anything-as-a-pass-rusher/)

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Film Room: Does Loudermilk offer anything as a pass rusher?

https://steelersdepot.com/2021/05/film-room-does-isaiahh-loudermilk-offer-anything-as-a-pass-rusher/ (https://steelersdepot.com/2021/05/film-room-does-isaiahh-loudermilk-offer-anything-as-a-pass-rusher/)

All the pre draft reports said no. Some tape on him shows a guy that has a motor and locks out his arms well and strikes, but doesnt have athleticism to rush the passer. The best I could see is that he may push the pocket, but its likely he wont be in on obvious passing downs. So I'm not taking the click bait.

[Born2Steel]

Even with the comparison as 'a poor man's Cam Heyward' I don't fully get the need to trade up for this player. I have gone back and read the draft scout reports and looked at the 'contextualization' and what he does well vs what he does not. Not saying I cannot be convinced just that I am not on board just yet. He seems to be another Demarcus Christmas to me.

At this point in the process of finding quality DL depth I'm more excited to watch the development of the 2 Kentucky guys T.J. Carter and Calvin Taylor.

I do think that with all the hopeful depth guys being brought in this means the end of Isaiah Buggs' and Carlos Davis' development as Steelers. I think Marsh is done as a steeler also.

Abdullah Anderson could be intriguing as a rotational depth player but my present favorite to win the depth role among these guys is Henry Mondeaux. Mondeaux not only has experience in this defense but has been productive on the field when he has gotten his chances.

Heyward, Tuitt, Alualu, Mondeaux, and Anderson/Loudermilk/Carter/Taylor are my current picks.

[Mojouw]

Even with the comparison as 'a poor man's Cam Heyward' I don't fully get the need to trade up for this player. I have gone back and read the draft scout reports and looked at the 'contextualization' and what he does well vs what he does not. Not saying I cannot be convinced just that I am not on board just yet. He seems to be another Demarcus Christmas to me.

At this point in the process of finding quality DL depth I'm more excited to watch the development of the 2 Kentucky guys T.J. Carter and Calvin Taylor.

I do think that with all the hopeful depth guys being brought in this means the end of Isaiah Buggs' and Carlos Davis' development as Steelers. I think Marsh is done as a steeler also.

Abdullah Anderson could be intriguing as a rotational depth player but my present favorite to win the depth role among these guys is Henry Mondeaux. Mondeaux not only has experience in this defense but has been productive on the field when he has gotten his chances.

Heyward, Tuitt, Alualu, Mondeaux, and Anderson/Loudermilk/Carter/Taylor are my current picks.

All I got is that the Steelers prefer a very specific height/weight/arm length/etc profile along their defensive line. Each year there are very few of those players through the class. This year, based on what I read, there were less than “typical”.

Combine that with how similar the style of defense he played in college and he’s Colbert catnip.

Fairly rare that the Steelers draft a defensive lineman that they don’t have to change their body, their technique, or both.

Buggs and Davis haven’t really developed. Davis might still. But for a team (that in their minds) has SB aspirations, a rookie DL with the body type and play style familiarity is gonna be real tough for them to pass up. Most DL the Steelers draft take 1-2 years to impact. The Steelers seem to be in “win now” mode based on their draft selections. Loudermilk has a chance to soak up rotation snaps right away.

That’s all I can come up with for the reasoning behind the pick.