2021 NFL Draft: Scouting Roundup on Steelers Isaiahh Loudermilk

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Isaiahh Loudermilk from the University of Wisconsin by trading into the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Here’s what different draft analysts were saying about Loudermilk

Tony Pauline for Pro Football Network

The Good

Aggressive two-gap defensive end with growth potential. Fires off the snap with an explosive first step, works his hands throughout the action, and redirects to ball handlers. Focused on by opponents, plays aggressive football, and works hard. Relentless and displays a good head for the ball.

The Bad

Does not consistently play with proper pad level and gets out-positioned from the action. Consistently tied up by a single opponent. Not much of a pass rusher.

Kyle Crabbs for The Draft Network

The Good

Loudermilk offers the kind of size and extension skills that simply can’t be taught to defenders; his looming frame with grab your attention as a potential developmental prospect to play along the line and he’s almost sure to get a look because of his size.

The Bad

Loudermilk, despite his experience playing in the Big Ten as a multi-year starter, lacks appeal in leverage, power, pass-rush ability, and as an overall player; he’s more of a project than he is a plug-and-play defender.

Bonus: I found this part very interesting

Teams who are willing to acquire young talent and invest coaching into them for several years will likely be keen on giving him a shot, making Loudermilk a candidate to get a look from organizations that are stereotypically high-stability environments.

NFL Draft Bible

The Good

Loudermilk has length for days that helps him in pressing off opposing blockers, finding the ball-carrier and shedding at the point of attack. Loudermilk is also a surprisingly nimble athlete who moves laterally extraordinarily well for his size.

The Bad

Currently he plays with very little urgency and there needs to be a huge influx of physicality and violence added to his game. He appears passive far too often and displaying more fire would be a benefit.

Lance Zierlein for NFL.com

The Good

Efficient footwork and movement on twists.
Reads quarterback and looks to bat down passes.
Keeps pad level at optimal level and thumps into first contact.
Potential to extend and separate through his punch.
Hands are fairly heavy.
Team-oriented defender willing to do dirty work.
Leg drive pushes and scoops blocker into the backfield.

The Bad

Shorter arms will create disadvantage in the league.
Goes along for the ride on lateral block engagements.
Unable to sit down firmly and anchor as an edge setter.
Lacks foot quickness to work quickly around a block.
Below-average hands to open a rush lane for himself.
Way too tall on rush counters and is easily punched and stalled.

Conclusion

Similar to Dan Moore Jr., Isaiahh Loudermilk has a lot of contradicting evaluations. That usually shows someone with inconsistent play, often because their technique isn’t stable. This is another player that will need to be coached up. Karl Dunbar has done very well finding and developing later round talents and UDFA’s into rotational players, so I’m willing to give him a shot at becoming something good.