Player: DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
Stock Value: Up
Reasoning: The fact that the Steelers chose to re-sign Isaiahh Loudermilk at all is a win for him. Add to that the lack of quality veteran reinforcements and he enters the draft in relatively good standing. At least in terms of making the 53-man roster, he may currently be on the inside of the bubble.
The draft can radically shift the conversation, but right now, Isaiahh Loudermilk seems to be in decent position. if the barometer for him is making the team, he is probably in reasonable position to do so for now. And that’s probably not exactly where the Steelers wanted to be.
The Steelers entered the offseason knowing that they needed to upgrade their defensive line. They knew the draft class would be deep, but they also wanted to reinforce themselves with a veteran. They reportedly wanted Javon Kinlaw, but he priced himself out of their range. In addition to re-signing Loudermilk, they only made low-level veteran moves.
Even assuming Daniel Ekuale makes the team, he only replaces Larry Ogunjobi on the 53-man roster. That still leaves room for Isaiahh Loudermilk to return for another season with the Steelers, entering the draft, at least.
But this is a discussion we will have to revisit after the draft, especially in light of free agency. Perhaps in a weaker year for rookies, the Steelers would have been more willing to pay a premium in free agency. But it seems clear that they have resolved to improve their defensive line through the draft and rely on veterans like Loudermilk for insulation.
A former fifth-round pick, Isaiahh Loudermilk just completed his rookie contract with the Steelers. He re-signed on a one-year, Veteran Salary Benefit deal, and certainly isn’t a lock to make the team. But he has been in a similar position during his entire career and has always managed to make the roster.
That he can also help out on special teams is a significant feather in his cap to boot. But if the Steelers draft two defensive linemen, Loudermilk could be in trouble. Or at least on the practice squad, which really wouldn’t be so bad.
With the new league year underway and the Steelers turning their roster over, it’s once again time to “take stock”. It took a while, but we finally saw some of that change the team talked about after the season ended. Certainly, the move to trade for WR DK Metcalf qualifies as a change, not to mention the accompanying contract.
There is still a long way to go before we know what this Steelers team is going to look like. Once the dust settles on free agency, we turn our attention to the draft, and so on. What other moves might the team make, perhaps unexpected acquisitions or departures? If they traded for one player, they could certainly trade for another, or trade one away. This is a Steelers team starving for postseason success, but how desperate are they for a playoff win in 2025?
