Comparing the size of the Steelers’ draft picks to other players at their position

In a recent episode of the Steelers Stat Geek podcast, I tackled the question posed to me about if the Steelers specifically looked to draft players who were larger than the players they would possibly be replacing. While larger is not always better when it comes to specific positions, it was interesting to see how the height and weight of the Steelers draft picks compared to players who were recently with the Steelers or who they would be fighting for playing time on the 2021 roster.

The biggest issue in tackling the question was getting a correct height and weight for the newly drafted players. With no NFL combine this spring, getting an accurate measurement was not the easiest task. Rather than trying to compile the information myself in order to get the best data, I decided to trust another source who hopefully did the job for me. Therefore, all heights and weights of every player listed are coming directly from Pro Football Reference and their player profiles.

So how do the newest Pittsburgh Steelers compare to other players at their given positions? I’ll give the data, but ultimately it will be up to you to decide.

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Najee Harris: 6’2” 230 lbs

Comparisons: James Conner (6’1” 233 lbs), Benny Snell Jr (5’11” 224 lbs)

The only real discernible difference among these players is the height issue. With Harris an inch taller than James Conner and several inches above Benny Snell, does added height really helping NFL running backs?

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Pat Freiermuth: 6’5” 260 lbs

Comparisons: Vanice McDonald (6’4” 267 lbs), Zach Gentry (6’8” 265 lbs)

As big as Freiermuth is, he still gives a couple pounds to the Steelers number two tight end last season in Vance McDonald. Although Freiermuth looks to be a slightly bigger target than McDonald, he still gives up several inches to Zach Gentry.

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Kendrick Green: 6’4” 315 lbs

Comparisons: Maurkice Pouncey (6’4” 304 lbs), B.J. Finney (6’4” 318 lbs)

Although I saw Green’s weight listed smaller than what PFR has, he is still very comparable to Markice Pouncey.

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Dan Moore Jr.: 6’5” 315 lbs

Comparisons: Allejandro Villanueva (6’7” 320 lbs), Joe Haeg (6’6” 298 lbs), Chukwuma Okorafor (6’6” 320 lbs)

While Moore doesn’t have the height of Big Al, he definitely has a wait advantage against Joe Haeg with whom he may be competing for some snaps in 2020. As for Chuks, they’re pretty much the same size.

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Buddy Johnson: 6’2” 240 lbs

Comparisons: Vince Williams (6’1” 233 lbs), Robert Spillane (6’1” 229 lbs), Ulysees Gilbert III (6’0” 230 lbs)

If PFR has Johnson’s weight correct, he seems to be slightly larger than Vince Williams who already holds the advantage over the other inside linebackers competing for playing time.

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Isaiahh Loudermilk: 6’7” 293 lbs

Comparisons: Isaiah Buggs (6’3” 295 lbs), Henry Mondeaux (6’4” 280 lbs)

Apparently Loudermilk can adjust his weight significantly for whatever he’s trying to accomplish. If he keeps it up, he’s already a much bigger body then Mondeaux and much taller than Buggs.

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Quincy Roche: 6’4” 245 lbs

Comparisons: Bud Dupree (6’4” 269 lbs), Ola Adeniyi (6’1” 248 lbs)

It’s hard for anyone to compare in weight to outside linebacker Bud Dupree as he is one of the heaviest at his position in the league. But it seems Roche fits right in with the typical linebacker he would be replacing.

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Tre Norwood: 6’0” 189 lbs

Comparisons: Mike Hilton (5’9” 184 lbs), Jordan Dangerfield (5’11” 199 lbs), Sean Davis (6’1” 202 lbs)

I’m unsure what position to even put Norwood, but simply looking at reserve corners and safeties shows his size is right around what it needs to be for either position.

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Pressley Harvin III: 6’0” 255 lbs

Comparison: Jordan Berry (6’5” 195 lbs)

And here’s the big one. While I was shocked to see that Jordan Berry actually measures at 6’5”, Harvin still has him by 60 pounds even though he’s giving up 5 inches in height.

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So there’s the comparison for the Steelers draftees from 2021 and how they compare to other players when it comes to height and weight. Although it doesn’t seem that the Steelers gotten noticeably larger with any of these positions except maybe punter, it also doesn’t appear that they gave up much size with their selections.