A breakdown on how the Steelers relied on their rookies vs. the Bills in Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted nine players in the 2021 NFL Draft, and while fans knew many of them would contribute immediately, I don’t think anyone saw what has taken place in the early stages of the regular season.

The Steelers deployed a whopping four starters, not just contributors, on offense vs. the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.

Those players would be:

Kendrick Green, C
Pat Freiermuth, TE
Dan Moore Jr., OT
Najee Harris, RB

When you consider two 7th round picks also being major contributors, or starters, in Tre Norwood and Pressley Harvin III, this draft class went from good to great in a hurry. However, just because rookies played doesn’t mean they played well. It doesn’t mean they contributed to the team’s success.

This is where Brian Baldinger of the NFL Network comes into play. The man they call ‘Baldy’ does tremendous film room style breakdowns on his Twitter page, and recently tackled the Steelers vs. Bills game. Of course, he highlights the Steelers’ rookies, the offensive line and even an outstanding matchup between Chase Claypool and Tre’Davious White.

Let Baldinger do the talking, and see the game through the same lens as a former NFL player, and current analyst.

Claypool vs. White

Kendrick Green the next great Steelers center?

2021 Draft Class

Rebuilt Offensive Line starting to gel?

What do you think of the Steelers’ rookie class? How about the prospects of these players continuing to not just improve, but helping the Steelers win football games? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they prepare for the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2 for the home opener at Heinz Field.

Want more breakdowns from our own Geoffrey Benedict? Check out the latest ‘Cutting Room Floor’ podcast where Benedict breaks down what the Steelers did well, and didn’t do well, vs. the Bills in Week 1 in the player below: