The Pittsburgh Steelers have had the same general manager since 2000. Should Kevin Colbert receive a contract extension or find a new home?
It’s hard to complain about the job Steelers general manager, Kevin Colbert, has done during his time in Pittsburgh. Over the past 19 years, he has drafted numerous Pro Bowl, All-Pro, and even Hall of Fame talent in players like Troy Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger, and David DeCastro.
However, like any general manager, Colbert doesn’t come without his fair share of misses as well. He has drafted players as high as the 2nd round who never went on to play an NFL snap (I’m referring to Senquez Golson in this case).
Still, there is no doubt that the GM has been one of the best in the business. There have been talks that Kevin Colbert continues to inch his way toward free agency, as his contract expires in 2020.
Colbert and the Steelers both like the flexibility with one-year deals, but it is interesting to note that he didn’t receive a contract extension with Mike Tomlin.
Should Pittsburgh give their long-time GM a new deal? Here is a recap of some of Colbert’s best and worst 1st round draft picks during his time as general manager:
Best Picks:
Troy Polamalu (2003)
Ben Roethlisberger (2004)
Heath Miller (2005)
Casey Hampton (2001)
David DeCastro (2012)
Ryan Shazier (2014)
Maurkice Pouncey (2010)
Cameron Heyward (2011)
Lawrence Timmons (2007)
Plaxico Burress (2000)
T.J. Watt (2017)
Santonio Holmes (2006)
Kevin Colbert has been one of the best in the league at hitting on first round talents. Troy Polamalu was a world-class player, and Ben Roethlisberger is a future Hall of Famer in his own right.
He drafted a handful of above average and Pro Bowl caliber NFL players since becoming the general manager nearly 20 years ago. His best picks were something to brag about.
Worst Picks:
Jarvis Jones (2013)
Artie Burns (2016)
Evander Hood (2009)
Bud Dupree (2015)
Rashard Mendenhall (2008)
Terrell Edmunds (2018)
Colbert isn’t superhuman in his evaluations, and it has shown at times. Though he hits in the first round much more often than he misses, he has still been prone to some bad picks as of late.
Artie Burns and Jarvis Jones may have been the two worst first round draft choices in his tenure with the team. Colbert has also drafted a number have players that have been underwhelming and haven’t lived up to their draft statuses (though the jury is still out on a few).
Kevin Colbert may not have been as consistent in recent years drafting as he has been in the past, but he has still proven to be one of the better general managers in the NFL. His contract expires after next season, but it would be wise of the Steelers to look to keep him around a little while longer.