Trends Steelers should expect with Andy Weidl in charge of the draft board
By Andrew Falce
4. Weidl loves athletes
One trend that lines up with what the Steelers like to do, Weidl will likely prioritize athletic prospects in the draft. This is no new thing for Pittsburgh, as athletic ability has always been a core component of whom this team drafts.
From taking the freakiest specimen in recent years in Jordan Davis to focusing on high RAS scores for any offensive lineman selected, Weidl wants his draft picks to be able to fly. Since 2019, he hasn’t had a player score below a 5.67 RAS score.
The Steelers have a very similar philosophy when they draft, looking for premiere athletes as opposed to productive players who test poorly. While exceptions could still be made, I would be closely watching the athletic numbers of prospects before linking them to Pittsburgh.
This seems even more important with linemen. If a top prospect flunks the combine, it would seem likely that they will shoot down the draft board. Weidl likes big men that can move. If a prospect can’t do that, I don’t like their odds of ending up with the Steelers.