Breaking down Steelers NFL Combine numbers over the past decade
Steelers compared to the rest of the NFL
I spent more time looking at all the traits. Yes. I’m a glutton for punishment. I pulled all combine data (and pro day data if a player did not attend the combine) for all players from 2017 through 2019, plugged it into a handy excel file, and went to work on breaking things down by position. I also compiled every Steelers player drafted since 2010.
The speed metrics for players drafted by the Steelers,(40-yard dash and the 10-yard split) all fell in line with what other players at the combine or pro days have averaged over the past few years. Explosive metrics like broad and vertical jump were all over the place. But the further I dug in, the more apparent it became that Pittsburgh values players who can change direction with great balance and burst.
Here’s a look at how they compare to the league, by position:
| Steelers vs League | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Time | 3 Cone | Shuttle | |
| OL | -0.07 | 0.36 | 0.06 |
| CB | 0.05 | 0.30 | -0.01 |
| DB | 0.02 | 0.24 | 0.04 |
| DE | -0.18 | 0.36 | 0.35 |
| LB | -0.07 | 0.17 | -0.03 |
| QB | -0.07 | 0.22 | 0.08 |
| RB | 0.02 | 0.13 | 0.00 |
| TE | -0.14 | -0.09 | -0.07 |
| WR | 0.01 | 0.15 | 0.15 |
Note: Positive numbers indicate that the Steelers draftees were faster and posted better times than their peers.
For those scratching their heads over the Zach Gentry selection last year, fear not. It seems that Tight End has been the one position where the Steelers consistently value game film over measurables unless you include height and wingspan in those measurables.
Outside of TE, when it comes to the 3 cone drill, the Steelers consistently draft players who perform better than their peers in pre-draft workouts.
What does this mean for the 2020 NFL Draft? I think we’ll see more of the same. When I submit my lone mock draft come April, the first player the Steelers select will be a dynamic athlete who would light these drills on fire. I won’t name him. I can’t. It seems like every time a name is tied to the Steelers in the weeks leading up to the draft, that player rises and they never get the chance to pick him. I won’t give the football gods the chance to do that this year.
Next. Steelers OLB Bud Dupree does not deserve the franchise tag or lofty extension. dark
Next time around we’ll look into how height/weight/age/wingspan play into the Steelers’ draft plans… if they do at all.