Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Believes Kevin Colbert’s Draft Approach Yields Blame For Recent Franchise Disappointments

The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team known for its rich history and culture, have recently faced challenges in developing draft picks from the Kevin Colbert era, spanning from 2015 until his departure following the 2022 NFL Draft. This struggle to nurture young talent has not only hindered the team's ability to maintain its unique Steelers culture, but has also impacted their overall performance on the field. 

Falling short in the NFL Draft can lead to significant repercussions. This potentially can derail a team's pursuit of Super Bowl victory and relegate them to a state of perpetual mediocrity where they consistently hover above .500, but fail to secure any playoff victories. Does that ring a bell, considering the recent Steelers seasons from 2015 until now?

On a recent episode of the Steel Here podcast, former Steelers lineman Trai Essex joined host Kevin Adams to discuss the mindset of Colbert in his final years as the team's general manager and why most of his draft selections from 2015 to 2022 failed to translate into NFL success.

Steelers' Disconnect With Kevin Colbert's Drafting Approach

Essex began the conversation by expressing his deep admiration for Colbert, emphasizing the GM's remarkable drafts over the years. However, he also pointed out a noticeable shift in Colbert's approach towards the end of his tenure. Essex suggested that there was a palpable disconnect between the team's vision for the future and the actual requirements for success in the NFL.

"Kevin Colbert, I love that guy to death. He had a lot of great drafts, but I think on the way out, there was something missing. There was some kind of disconnect between what we wanted as a team moving forward versus what is actually needed to be successful in the NFL."

Essex's comments shed light on the challenges faced by the Steelers during Colbert's final years as the general manager. The inability to retain young talent and develop it into integral parts of the team can disrupt the culture and chemistry within the organization.

A Troubling Trend In Draft Turnover

Examining the Steelers' draft history from 2015 to 2022 reveals a troubling trend of turnover and missed opportunities. Several draft classes during this period failed to yield significant contributions to the team.

The 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 draft classes can be characterized as disappointments, with only a few exceptions. The 2017 draft class stands out due to the selection of TJ Watt, who has emerged as one of the NFL's best defensive players. The 2019 draft brought the Steelers talented wide receiver Diontae Johnson. The 2022 draft class is still a work in progress, with Kenny Pickett and George Pickens being noteworthy selections. However, the team has struggled to maximize Pickens' potential due to offensive scheme issues. 

Pickett, while not posting extraordinary statistics, has shown a knack for winning games. However, there remains an ongoing debate about whether he is the Steelers' quarterback of the future or if the team should consider drafting their franchise quarterback. The 2022 draft class is currently a subject of debate and appears, at best, to be average.

The 2021 draft featured successful picks in Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth in the first two rounds. Still, the overall success of the class was marred by questionable selections, such as punter Pressley Harvin III in the seventh round. Harvin III's underwhelming performance has only highlighted the team's drafting woes.

One area of particular concern has been the Steelers' difficulty in developing offensive linemen through the draft. The offensive line has been a longstanding issue for the team, and despite efforts to address it, progress has been slow. Pro Football Network's ranking of the Steelers' offensive line as 19th in the NFL underscores the need for improvement in this critical area.

In the 2020 draft, the Steelers chose Chase Claypool as the 49th overall pick, and while he showed promise early, the Steelers quickly traded him for a 2023 second-round pick. The standout from that draft has been Alex Highsmith, who has made significant contributions in 2023.

The Impact On The Future

The most significant concern stemming from the recent draft struggles is the team's apparent lack of preparation for the post-Ben Roethlisberger era. Failing to develop a reliable offensive line through the draft has contributed to the team's struggles. Steelers fans have been vocal about their frustrations, and many point to Colbert as a source of blame for the lack of roster retention and success since 2015.

As the Steelers look ahead, they must address the challenges posed by their recent drafting woes. While the organization has a storied history and a commitment to excellence, it will require a concerted effort to regain their drafting prowess and return to the upper echelons of NFL success.

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