Under the dynamic stewardship of new general manager Omar Khan, the Pittsburgh Steelers have embarked on a transformative journey this offseason. Khan’s bold moves, including the signings of Patrick Queen and Russell Wilson and the acquisition of Justin Fields, have earned him widespread admiration.
However, amidst the celebration of Khan’s achievements, former Steelers GM Kevin Colbert has been unfairly cast as the scapegoat for the team’s past missteps. While Colbert’s tenure began with promise, criticism has mounted regarding the outcomes of his later drafts. Seasoned journalist Ed Bouchette has come to Colbert’s defense, challenging the narrative that has overshadowed his legacy.
“I don’t like this Kevin [Colbert] bashing lately,” Bouchette declared on The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller, emphasizing the need for a more balanced perspective. “Omar [Khan] can’t do anything wrong and Kevin couldn’t do anything right?”
Bouchette urged fans to recall the exceptional 1974 draft conducted by Art Rooney Jr., which yielded four future Hall of Famers. Despite this triumph, Rooney Jr. also experienced unsuccessful drafts, leading to his eventual dismissal.
Khan’s inaugural draft has garnered high praise, with promising talents such as Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr. showcasing their potential. However, Bouchette cautioned against excessive optimism, reminding fans that all NFL executives are prone to the occasional misstep.
“They all do,” Bouchette stated. “Art Rooney Jr. had the greatest draft in the history of drafts no matter what sport. He had some clunker drafts. They all do.”
As the 2024 draft approaches, Khan will have the opportunity to further shape the Steelers’ roster. Should he navigate this draft with the same finesse as his first, the chorus of praise will undoubtedly grow louder. However, the mercurial nature of NFL fandom demands vigilance, and a single misstep could swiftly erode Khan’s acclaim.
The Steelers face pressing needs in this year’s draft, and Khan will be tasked with delivering yet another masterclass in player acquisition. All eyes will be on him as he seeks to continue the team’s resurgence and cement his legacy as one of the league’s top executives.
