2022 Steelers draft analysis: Colbert’s final draft ignores key needs

Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia wide receiver George Pickens (1) brings in a pass from quarterback JT Daniels (18) for a catch during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game between Georgia and Cincinnati at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta., on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2021. Joshua L. Jones-USA TODAY NETWORKNcaa Football Chick Fil A Peach Bowl Georgia Vs Cincinnati
Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia wide receiver George Pickens (1) brings in a pass from quarterback JT Daniels (18) for a catch during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game between Georgia and Cincinnati at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta., on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2021. Joshua L. Jones-USA TODAY NETWORKNcaa Football Chick Fil A Peach Bowl Georgia Vs Cincinnati
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Georgia wide receiver George Pickens (1) celebrates after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship game in Indianapolis, on Jan. 10, 2022.Syndication Online Athens

A quick word about draft strategy.

Usually, General Manager, Kevin Colbert’s draft strategy is solid. He tends toward the conservative and that’s probably what’s allowed him to have such a long career. Even if you don’t like some of the picks you can’t fault the logic behind the draft. The strategy for this draft isn’t solid, at all. If I had to characterize it the word would be ‘delusional’.

This draft didn’t address, AT ALL, the Steelers most glaring need, which was their worst offensive line in the NFL. If they think the starting lineup of Dan Moore, Kevin Dotson, James Daniels, Mason Cole, and Chuks Okorafor is going to be a big improvement over the O-line they had last year they’re, well… delusional…

This was a weak quarterback class and not the ideal draft to look for Big Ben’s successor, yet they spent a 1st Round pick reaching for a quarterback prospect who appears to have a limited ceiling. They did add a good wide receiver prospect but then doubled down with a very undersized wideout when there were other major needs. The defensive line player they selected will probably do little to fix their NFL worst rushing defense.

I was hoping Colbert, who’s a shoo-in to the Hall of Fame as a contributor, would go out with a bang. What he’s leaving on is probably worse than a whimper, it’s a possible train wreck.

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