(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Even though Kevin Colbert is set to step down from his general manager position following the draft, he is still considered as one of the best general managers in the league. Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com released his general manager power rankings on Thursday, and Colbert came in at No. 3 behind just Les Snead of the Rams and Brandon Bean/Sean McDermott of the Bills.
"This will be Colbert's final time on the list, with his upcoming retirement after the draft. Few GMs did a better, steadier job drafting players over the previous few decades, re-signing the best ones and knowing when to say goodbye," Rosenthal said. "Pittsburgh rarely panicked in free agency, yet didn't ignore value, hopping on proven players like Joe Haden when they suddenly became available. His best picks, from Ben Roethlisberger to David DeCastro to T.J. Watt, were made after patiently letting the board come to him."
Colbert is consistent as they come when it comes to talent evaluators, as the Steelers had just one losing season (2003) under Colbert's watch. He also rarely ever drafted busts in the first round, Jarvis Jones in 2013 and Artie Burns in 2016 were really the only outliers.
Colbert also has a knack for finding diamonds in the rough when it comes to the wide receiver position. The Steelers will need to Colbert to find another gem in the second or third round this year at the receiver position with JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud departing via free agency.
The Steelers have already interviewed 16 candidates to replace Colbert as general manager. It's expected that the new general manager will be announced after the draft, and it wouldn't be surprising if pro scouting coordinator Brandon Hunt is the heir apparent to Colbert.
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