New York Giants STOCK UP, STOCK DOWN Seattle Seahawks

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Wide receiver Diontae Johnson

Stock: Up

Analysis: He’s on pace for his first 1,000-yard season and is averaging a career-best 11.8 yards per reception. He has nine catches of 20 yards or more and 29 of his catches have gone for first downs. The Steelers could use a little Rams San Francisco 49ers San Diego touchdown production out of him — he has three in eight games — but he is the best receiver on the team and is a strong candidate to receive a second contract this summer.

Wide receiver Chase Claypool Stock: Down

Analysis: After impressing as a rookie when he caught 62 passes and scored 11 TDs, Claypool is in a sophomore slump. Injuries have forced him to miss two games, and when he has been healthy, the production has been inconsistent. He has just one 100-yard game and has been held to 45 receiving yards or fewer in four games. Most important, he has just one TD. As the offense’s big-play target, that’s a number that has to improve in the second half.

Wide receiver James Washington Stock: Down

Analysis: It’s strange, but he was at his productive best when Devlin Hodges started in 2019. He has had a few moments with Roethlisberger and Rudolph, but for a No. 55 overall pick, his numbers disappoint. He has 14 receptions and is averaging a career-worst 12.1 yards per catch. His one TD catch came Sunday vs. the Lions, but in 62 snaps, all he could manage was one other catch. He’s a free agent after the season ends and it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which he would return.

Running back Najee Harris Stock: Up

Analysis: Drafting Harris with the No. 24 overall pick in the spring was a great decision, and it will look even better when he has a stronger offensive line in front of him. He already is the Steelers’ best offensive player and is everything the coaching staff wanted and more. He leads all rookies in rushing (646) and all-purpose yards (1,815) and ranks seventh in the league in those respective categories.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth Stock: Up

Analysis: He leads all rookie tight ends in TDs with four and has become one of Roethlisberger’s most reliable targets. He has 32 receptions on 42 targets and 18 of his catches have gone for first downs. Freiermuth didn’t come to the Steelers with a reputation as a great run-blocker, but he’s shown improvement. He’s the TE1 the Steelers have been searching for since Heath Miller retired following the 2015 season.

Tight end Eric Ebron Stock: Down

Analysis: The Steelers signed Ebron before last season for $12 million over two years. They got a decent return on their investment in 2020 (56 receptions, 5 TDs), but he has since been bypassed by Freiermuth on the depth chart and his contributions have been minimal this season: nine catches for 60 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. He’s a free agent after the season and won’t be back.

Offensive lineman Dan Moore Jr. Stock: Flat

Analysis: This one is tough. Moore has had a rocky first season. That’s to be expected for any rookie, but especially a fourth-round pick who was pressed into starting duties due to injuries. That must be taken into consideration when evaluating him. His run blocking has been solid, but he has struggled in pass protection, which is problematic if he’s the left tackle of the future. Bottom line: More time is needed to fairly judge his long-term projection.

Offensive lineman Kendrick Green Stock: Down

Analysis: Green is a gamer and at his best when he uses his athleticism to his advantage. But his lack of size has been evident when opposing defensive tackles have bullied him in the running game. Green won’t get any taller, but he can add weight and strength. Like Moore, he’ll get better with age, but his ability to stand tall among 330-pound defensive linemen will always be questioned until he proves he is more capable as a run blocker.

Offensive lineman Trai Turner Stock: Up

Analysis: Turner has been the most consistent lineman through the first half. He’s on a one-year, $4 million contract, but he might be worth bringing back again next season if he’s willing to accept another modest deal. If not, the Steelers have to draft or sign another guard in the spring. Turner’s days as a Pro Bowler might be over, but he’s a solid vet on a young line that can use his guidance.

Offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor Stock: Flat

Analysis: He’s been solid as a pass protector, which has allowed him to keep his starting job, but he feels more like a place-holder at right tackle than a long-term answer. He’s a free agent after the season and the Steelers need to add some high-caliber talent to make improvements up front.