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- Apr 8, 2014
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The Steelers have issues outside of head coach and drafting and development is probably at the top. When Kevin Colbert joined Bill Cowher, the Steelers built the foundation to future championships through the drafts. By my count, the only current players drafted by the Steelers on at least a second contract are Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Pat Freiermuth (I apologize if I missed anyone). That's bad.
We all know how bad Colbert was at the end and the failure of first-round picks highlighted by Punx in another thread. Edmunds, Bush, (Fitzpatrick), Harris, Pickett, Jones, Fautanu has gotten the Steelers very little return on investment. You figure Harris will walk this year and there's a chance the Steelers trade Pickens during the offseason.
Khan/Weidl appear to be on the right track, but there are still some questions with player development.
2023
Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton at least look like solid starters with higher upside than they displayed in year 2.
Darnell Washington, Nick Herbig, and Cory Trice have all shown to various degrees impact reserve players.
Broderick Jones is still developing and hopefully year 3 is his breakout year.
2024
The Steelers had lost seasons from Troy Fautanu and Roman Wilson. That's tough for 2 of your top 3 picks to miss the season.
Zach Frazier and Payton Wilson had very good rookie years and should continue into the future.
Mason McCormick faded as the season progressed, but he entered the lineup a year early. He should still be able to develop into a solid starter for years to come.
We can at least see a pattern with the new front office to build the roster with premium positions with the team's premium picks. For the most part, analysts and fans have believed the Steelers got good value out of their last two drafts. That brings development to the forefront. Few second contracts and the lack of development from players (or entire units such as the offensive line) is a concern. It's hard to feel confident with this team building a contender if they can't develop and retain their current talent.
We all know how bad Colbert was at the end and the failure of first-round picks highlighted by Punx in another thread. Edmunds, Bush, (Fitzpatrick), Harris, Pickett, Jones, Fautanu has gotten the Steelers very little return on investment. You figure Harris will walk this year and there's a chance the Steelers trade Pickens during the offseason.
Khan/Weidl appear to be on the right track, but there are still some questions with player development.
2023
Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton at least look like solid starters with higher upside than they displayed in year 2.
Darnell Washington, Nick Herbig, and Cory Trice have all shown to various degrees impact reserve players.
Broderick Jones is still developing and hopefully year 3 is his breakout year.
2024
The Steelers had lost seasons from Troy Fautanu and Roman Wilson. That's tough for 2 of your top 3 picks to miss the season.
Zach Frazier and Payton Wilson had very good rookie years and should continue into the future.
Mason McCormick faded as the season progressed, but he entered the lineup a year early. He should still be able to develop into a solid starter for years to come.
We can at least see a pattern with the new front office to build the roster with premium positions with the team's premium picks. For the most part, analysts and fans have believed the Steelers got good value out of their last two drafts. That brings development to the forefront. Few second contracts and the lack of development from players (or entire units such as the offensive line) is a concern. It's hard to feel confident with this team building a contender if they can't develop and retain their current talent.