The Pittsburgh Steelers' search for new rookies to add to the roster in 2023 was led by Omar Khan for the first time, but it was also Ike Taylor's debut at the draft as a member of the front office. The two-time Super Bowl-winning cornerback joined the scouting staff back in August and was most impressed with how fellow draft freshman Khan was able to operate.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan speaks to the media.
While neither was going to their first NFL draft, the new roles brought out something new in Khan who has been with the Steelers for over two decades. During a recent episode of the Bleav In Steelers show with host Mark Bergin, Taylor spoke about it.
Marc Bergin YouTube
Steelers scout Ike Taylor joined Mark Bergin to chat about his feeling regarding being a part of the draft process for the first time.
"I told O [Khan] after the draft 'I don't even know you brother. You turned into someone totally different, in a good way.' he said. "I've known him for 20 years and to see how he moved was impressive. From everyday work to Thursday, Friday, Saturday, he was a totally different person. He was locked in and laser focused. "
While the media often likes to focus on all the tense emotions that coaches and executives have in war rooms on draft day, Taylor said because the whole room was very calm because they all knew Khan was so secure in his convictions.
"It was relaxed. Nothing was tense in that war room, " he said. "We knew O had control. After that Coach T was like the guy breaking the ice and keeping things calm."
Two Steelers Front Office Members Living A Dream At The 2023 Draft
AP Photo
Steelers Ike Taylor runs back an interception of Seattle Seahawks Matt Hasselbeck in Pittsburgh's 2004 Super Bowl victory.
Taylor and Khan have both won a Super Bowl and lived out other dreams but experiencing the draft in their new roles was a new dream come true for both.
"This is my dream job and it's come true. It feels really good to be a part of [the draft]. Not only for an organization I played for, but now that I work for in the front office " Taylor said. "Being a part of the picks being put in is special. From April the first all the way to the draft we get our two cents in with the head coach, assistant coaches, and Omar. To see us draft the guys we graded, was a realization of how great this organization really is."
Taylor, just like this rookie class which he's excited to bring into the fold, is excited to prove themselves moving forward. Taylor, even though he will be entering year two as a scout in the organization, is still striving to make sure he's being a valuable asset to the team while fulfilling a promise that he made to the General Manager the day he hired him.
"I'm going to make you proud of me," he said he told Khan. "You didn't have to give me this opportunity but you knew I wanted to do it and you stuck to your word to give it to me."
Taylor might not know how proud Khan is of him, but he was certainly proud of how Khan handled his first draft as General Manager. Pittsburgh is in great hands with the two of them, among others, in the front office.
What did you think of Taylor's peak behind the curtain on draft night? Comment below!
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