A lot goes into how and why the Pittsburgh Steelers end up selecting players in the NFL Draft each year. The general manager and head coach are typically the ones who get all of the media attention, but scouts and other front office personnel have their opinions heard on certain players and situations. As the new general manager, Omar Khan enters his first official off-season as the lead guy. He has the task of not necessarily rebuilding, but retooling a promising roster. There's a specific area, position even, that former general manager, Kevin Colbert had a hard time getting right in his two decades at the helm.
Steelers former general manager, Kevin Colbert roams the sidelines at then-Heinz Field during what would be his final regular season as the head man in 2021. | Photo credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Colbert is a huge reason why Pittsburgh has two Super Bowl Championships and three appearances since the beginning of the 21st century. This is not a knock on his success as the head of the front office. The fact of the matter is, however, only one cornerback was named a Pro Bowler during his tenure and it was Joe Haden, who wasn't even drafted by the franchise.
Top of the line cornerbacks are extremely hard to come by and while guys like Ike Taylor and Cameron Sutton were both solid draft picks, not having drafted a single Pro Bowl or All-Pro cornerback in 21 years is something to be frustrated about if you are a fan.
It's not to say certain guys weren't formidable and reliable, but in an AFC packed with star-studded talent at wide receiver, the current team needs a lock down corner.
Steelers cornerback, Cameron Sutton warms up on the field prior to a preseason game in 2022 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter JSKO_PHOTO)
Recently, Justin Layne, Brian Allen, Artie Burns and Senquez Golson are just a few troubling names that all fell well short of their expectations in Pittsburgh. Burns was the only true cornerback taken in the first round for the Steelers while Colbert was in charge. That's not to say all the talent is there, but in 2023, there are some top prospects who Khan needs to prioritize if available at #17.
It's hard to find a position (aside from special teams) that Colbert struggled with more than cornerback. Pittsburgh goes up against the new aerial assault of the Cincinnati Bengals twice a year and the AFC is extremely talented at the wide receiver position. Eliminating a whole entire side of the field as Ahman 'Sauce' Gardner did for the New York Jets in 2022 during his rookie season would make a huge difference.
Pittsburgh was tied for first in the NFL in interceptions this past season, but almost half came from non-corners and the stat can be a bit overrated in terms of a player's shut down ability. Gardner only had two in 2022, but played a vital role in his defense's success. It's not only about the interceptions.
Steelers Former CB Ike Taylor To The Rescue?
Steelers newest scout and former cornerback, Ike Taylor (left) and head coach Mike Tomlin (right) speak with another during a 2022 practice. | Photo credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Hopefully, Taylor, who was recently brought on to be a member of the organization's scouting department can help with the evaluation of talent at the cornerback position. The area has not necessarily completely let the team down over the years, but there is present day proof that having a lock down guy in coverage can take a defense to another level.
Guys like Devon Witherspoon, Cam Smith, Christian Gonzalez and Kelee Ringo could all be in play and Khan, as well as head coach, Mike Tomlin and the scouting department, need to do their due diligence when it comes to all of them. It's imperative they select the right one if they go this route to fix the long drought of no All-Pro corners in Pittsburgh.
Do you think Colbert whiffed the majority of his time as general manager when it came to cornerbacks? Let us know in the comments below!
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