Entering his third year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk will have his work cut out for him.
Since his rookie season in 2021, Loudermilk has made only five career starts. Yet, even with the small sample size, one cannot deny that he has the physical tools to earn a regular role on the team's defensive line.
This offseason, the Steelers have made several additions to their defense, including resigning interior defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi to a contract extension and adding former Los Angeles Chargers lineman Breiden Fehoko to the roster. With DeMarvin Leal coming into his second year and the potential of adding another defensive lineman through this year's NFL Draft, this year could determine Loudermilk's long-term future on the team.
What should not be ignored about Loudermilk are the aspects that distinguish him from the other defensive linemen on the roster. Firstly, at 6'7 and just under 300 pounds, he has the size and versatility to play at different spots along the line of scrimmage. As an athlete, Loudermilk has shown his ability to use his speed to make plays downfield.
With all the right tools to become a regular in the rotation, the question is whether he can put it all together. As the Steelers look to elevate into a potential contender in the AFC this season, Loudermilk himself will need to do so as well in order to show his true value.