The sophomore leap. The second-year jump. That’s what we hear and commonly see from that group of players. Guys who take their lumps in their rookie season, are better off for it, and hit the ground running in Year Two. But not everyone makes that mark. We’ve already discussed the disappointing 2022 safety Tre Norwood had coming off a good rookie year. Put defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk in the same camp next to Norwood. And it makes Loudermilk’s spot in 2023 anything but assured.
Despite Pittsburgh’s run defense as a whole greatly improving last year, Loudermilk didn’t. In part due to the Steelers’ line being healthier, Loudermilk saw his defensive snaps cut by more than half, 288 as a rookie down to 116 in his second year.