Steelers Mike Tomlin Explains The Critical Nuts And Bolts of Pittsburgh's Pre-Draft Assessment For 2023

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is currently in Phoenix, Arizona along with all of his peers attending the Annual League Meetings. While in attendance, coaches meet with the media, and Coach Tomlin is no exception. He answered questions on a variety of topics including his thoughts on the pre-draft assessment. 

The Steelers' coaching and front office staff are always active members of the NFL scouting opportunities, showing up in force at Pro Days, the NFL Combine and the Senior Bowl. Coach Tomlin has never made a secret of the fact that he likes to do more than watch films of prospective players. However, recently Tomlin and GM Omar Khan were noticeably absent from some Pro Days, raising eyebrows and leading to speculation. 

Steelers Tomlin Explains Philosophy On Pre-Draft Assessment

The Pro Days in question are the University of Southern California and Penn State University. Penn State is the home of Joey Porter Jr., a cornerback who is the son of former Steeler Joey Porter Sr. At USC is wide receiver Jordan Addison, who was formerly at the University of Pittsburgh and was Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett's favorite target. Tomlin and Khan did not attend either Pro Day, leading fans to speculate that the Steelers are not considering drafting either player.

Many fans have been rabid with desire for either of the two players with connections to the Steelers. With Porter, the chance to have the son of such a beloved player feels like destiny. In regards to Addison, Pitt fans loved the chemistry the two had and believe we can recreate that magic in the Steel City. To add fuel to the fire, Addison quipped "Come get me" to the Steelers, when asked about reuniting with Pickett. This had Twitter going wild and many Steelers fans swooning with anticipation. 

However, Tomlin did not focus on any of that when asked about the process in Phoenix. Instead, he focused on the core values and fundamentals that matter most - saying they prioritize fit. When he was asked about the importance of finding players via the pre-draft process who are a good fit for the team, Tomlin acknowledged that he feels it is critical.

"That's why Omar (Khan) and myself we travel as much as we do this time of year, Pro Days and so forth, Senior Bowl, Combine. I know some of those things are less in vogue now by our peers but we're just really interested in the things that you can't see on tape and those are the intangible qualities, the relationships, thing like that really make teams go. So we are pretty intentional about unearthing as much information in those areas as we can."

Tomlin was asked what his favorite part of draft prep was and responded with this.

"I love it all, to be honest with you. I think it probably starts with the tape. My preference is to be familiar with someone on tape before I am familiar with them. It takes all our calling cards. We better have a mindset that's geared toward the tape and what's on it."

Tomlin even joked that he might speak with a player who didn't like the tape on, just to throw the media off the scent, saying he never knows when they are following him. As for how his process has changed over the years, Tomlin had this to say.

"It's become more efficient but it's also become more intentional and thoughtful - gamesmanship if you will along some of the discussions that we're having here and laughing about. But it's important that we safeguard our intentions and our critical, sensitive, information in an effort to protect our ability to put together what we desire to put together."    

Perhaps fans are reading too much into Pro Day attendance. Tomlin is already familiar with Porter Jr, from when his father played. He literally grew up inside of the facilities and spent a considerable amount of time there. Addison played for Pitt and just like Pickett, he is a known quantity to Tomlin. Tomlin and Khan also need to focus on what players are likely to be available or are the best fit for the team. Porter Jr is projected to go well ahead of the Steelers' first pick, and as for Addison, a receiver should be low on their list of needs. 

What do you think about Tomlin's process? Do you agree with how he conducts pre-draft assessments? Do you think he should have been at Penn State or USC's Pro Days? What position would you like to see the team draft with the first pick?

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