Steelers Fans Get Exposed For Praising Omar Khan And Bashing Kevin Colbert

The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans are truly embracing the impact of their new general manager, Omar Khan, and the dynamic approach taken by the front office this offseason. From the strategic signings of Patrick Queen and Russell Wilson, to the bold move of acquiring Justin Fields through a trade, Khan's leadership has garnered widespread acclaim.

Yet, amidst the celebration of Khan's successes, former Steelers GM Kevin Colbert finds himself somewhat unfairly shouldering the blame for past missteps. While Colbert's tenure began promisingly, criticism has mounted regarding the outcomes of his later drafts, painting him as a scapegoat for the team's shortcomings.

However, not everyone subscribes to the notion of praising Khan while condemning Colbert for past failures. Ed Bouchette, a seasoned journalist with decades of Steelers coverage under his belt, recently lent his voice to this discourse. Speaking on The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller, Bouchette offered a defense of Colbert, pushing back against the prevailing narrative that has overshadowed his legacy in light of Khan's recent achievements.

“You know what? I don’t like this Kevin [Colbert] bashing lately. You know? It’s like Omar [Khan] can’t do anything wrong and Kevin couldn’t do anything right. No, let’s give Omar a couple more years and see if he comes up with some clunkers. They all do.”

Khan's inaugural draft has garnered widespread acclaim, notably showcasing the talents of players like Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr. These promising young prospects demonstrated remarkable potential throughout the 2023 season, fueling optimism among Steelers fans.

Furthermore, the draft yielded additional hidden gems, such as Nick Herbig in the fourth round and Keeanu Benton in the second round, further amplifying the excitement surrounding the team's future. 

However, amidst the enthusiasm, Bouchette offers a tempered reminder for fans to maintain a sense of realism when it comes to the unpredictable nature of NFL drafting.

“I don’t know. I’m just saying. They all do. Art Rooney Jr. had the greatest draft in the history of drafts no matter what sport. He had some clunker drafts. They all do.” 

Bouchette highlighted Art Rooney Jr. and the legendary 1974 draft he had where he selected four future Hall of Famers and also signed one as a college free agent. He had some great drafts, but Bouchette pointed out that even he had some clunker drafts. Which ultimately led to Dan Rooney firing his brother after finding out that he couldn’t work with Chuck Noll any longer. 

Steelers’ Omar Khan Still Has A Ton To Prove 

While Khan has undeniably kicked off his tenure with a stellar debut draft, the true measure of his capabilities lies in the future drafts he orchestrates. As the 2024 draft looms ahead, it marks Khan's second significant trial in shaping the team's roster. Should he navigate this draft with finesse and secure impactful talent, the chorus of praise from fans and pundits alike will undoubtedly crescendo.

However, the mercurial nature of NFL fandom and the league itself demands vigilance. A single misstep in the draft could swiftly erode Khan's acclaim, a reality all too familiar to those in NFL management circles.

This year's draft presents the Steelers with pressing needs, heightening the stakes for Khan and his team. With expectations soaring and the spotlight firmly fixed upon him, Khan assumes the role of the hero this offseason, charged with delivering yet another masterclass in player acquisition. As the draft unfolds, all eyes will be trained on Khan, eagerly awaiting the culmination of what has already been a remarkable offseason campaign.