Pulled this from another site, thought I'd post it for those who think Loudermilk isn't the exact type of DE the Steelers are looking for.
Aaron Smith's combine stats versus Loudermilk's. Just from a physical traits standpoint, here are their numbers:
Height: 6'5 1/8" (Smith); 6'6 3/8" (Loudermilk)
Weight: 279 lbs.; 274 lbs.
40 time: 5.08 secs.; 5.08 secs (listed as low as 4.95)
10 split: 1.69 secs.; 1.71 secs. (listed as low as 1.63)
Broad J: 110 in.; 112 in.
Vertical J: 29.5 in.; 28.5 in.
Bench: 19 reps; 21 reps
Also, Loudermilk stated that he lost weight for his pro day and his normal playing weight is around 290.
The Steelers didn't just randomly draft this kid. They invested a 2022 4th round pick to grab him where they did. It was a concerted, pre-meditated effort. That tells me they had this guy circled as someone they definitely wanted to add to the mix. Probably did so knowing how difficult it is to find the type of DE that works in our 3-4 front.
This may be the most intriguing pick for me, given how nobody thought much of the kid. Steelers brainstrust thought otherwise, in a pretty remarkable fashion.
Ask yourself, who was Aaron Smith, when he got drafted in the - cough - 4th round back in 1999 out of tiny Northern Colorado? I wonder how the draft gurus & talking heads graded that pick?
And no, I am not suggesting Loudermilk will be as good as Aaron Smith, arguably one of the best D-linemen we've ever had. What I am suggesting, is this pick wasn't some wild dart throw by the Steelers FO & coaches. I think they see a player who can come in as Cam's understudy and potentially be a nice piece in this D.
