2021 NFL Draft Results: Pittsburgh Steelers select Tre Norwood with 7th round pick

Entering the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a number of draft needs which they needed to address. Unlike in 2020, with no first round selection in the draft, the Steelers possessed a full allotment of draft picks. With eight picks, the following positions could be viewed as a priority entering the selection process: running back, center, pass rusher and even inside linebacker. Those positions, and more, were positions of need to help the black-and-gold get to the next level in 2021. There have been numerous thoughts and debates regarding what the team will do in Round 7 of the NFL Draft.

When the dust settled, the Steelers have selected Oklahoma CB Tre Norwood, with their seventh round pick in the draft.

For those who may not know much about Norwood as a player, this is his overall breakdown of his game, per his NFL Draft Profile:

Overview

Despite his size and ball production at the end of the year, there is too much tape (including the Senior Bowl) that put his struggles on display as it pertains to fluidity and stickiness in coverage. He lacks recovery speed and open-field athleticism to deal with NFL man coverage, but his 2020 experience at safety could open the door for a position change at the next level. He wasn’t asked to do much more than basic two-deep drops, but he clearly has the coverage experience to adapt to more than that. However, he will have to become both tougher and more consistent as a tackle finisher in order to make that switch a full-time job opportunity.

Strengths

• Possesses NFL size and frame.
• Has safety and cornerback experience in background.
• Decent ball skills with soft hands.
• Finished with five interceptions over last six games.
• Took interception back for a touchdown against Florida QB Kyle Trask in Cotton Bowl.
• Can take on more expanded role as safety.
• Good downhill speed to run the alley.
• Recognition of run-play development and where it is headed.
• Offers kick and punt coverage experience.

Weaknesses

• Missed 2019 with knee injury.
• Had issues staying in phase with routes at Senior Bowl.
• Hiccup in his transitions from press.
• Once he gets behind, he stays behind.
• Unable to find acceleration to recover and challenge the route.
• Below-average pattern reader.
• Lacks functional agility to recover through coverage missteps.
• Fails to come to balance in downhill run support.
• Grab-and-drag tackler.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft needs in the remaining rounds of the draft now would be considered: Punter, among other positions.

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