PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's the first time in recent Steelers history they kept all of their draft picks on the 53-man roster. A look of why Mike Tomlin believed in them and the close calls they had in the past.
While owning a pair of second-rounders and seventh-rounders, it should be noted the Steelers did not make a pick in the fifth or six rounds. Also, Cory Trice landed on Injured Reserve, so technically not on the active roster, but also not released/injured. He also seemed to be in as a lock, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin noting the corner's loss earlier this week.
The Steelers came close in 2021 to keeping all of their picks, a year they lacked depth and released only Quincy Roche, who ironically was back this training camp before being released again by the Steelers on Tuesday. In 2020, only Antoine Brooks was released of the six draft picks. In 2018 only seventh round DT Joshua Frazier was left off the roster. In 2016, all stayed except OLB Travis Feeney who was then signed to the practice squad. They kept everyone but Keith Williams, sixth round, in Cam Heyward's year in 2011. In 2010 with 10 draft selections only the final one, DT Doug Worthington, was released. In 2008 only sixth-round linebacker Mike Humpal was let go. JT Wall was the only one released in 2003, it was the year Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor were drafted. In 2002, only defensive back LaVar Glover was let go of the eight drafted, two-time Super Bowl champ Brett Keisel was the last picked that year.
The number of picks to stick were higher in other years, but the team pleased with the scouting and development for this season. Seemingly hitting on all of their picks with the big caveat of none yet playing an NFL game.
"You know, there was a level of maturity, a level of football maturity that was exciting," Tomlin said about this year's drafted rookies. "We didn't scholarship anyone, they've earned their spots. And we expect contributions from those guys and increasing contributions as they gain more experience, and we push through this journey."
What is interesting about the drafted group, none are currently slated as starters. Broderick Jones is the back-up left tackle, Joey Porter at corner (although he should play a lot), Keeanu Benton should play at nose tackle, but Montravious Adams is the starter. Nick Herbig will get reps at outside linebacker. Only Spencer Anderson is likely to get a redshirt year along with the injured Trice.
GM Omar Khan, Assistant GM Andy Weidl and the Steelers front office appear to be on a roll. Will all of the offseason moves translate to more wins?
