Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League. Today, it’s the release of linebackers Mark Robinson and DeMarvin Leal, and what that says about the team’s draft failures under previous general manger Kevin Colbert.
Robinson and Leal’s releases leave just two players from the team’s 2022 NFL Draft class: slot receiver Calvin Austin III and backup tight end Connor Heyward. That draft class came on the heels of a three-year run where only four Steelers players signed second contracts with the team: tight end Pat Freiermuth, defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk, outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Loudermilk signed a dirt-cheap, one-year deal, and Johnson was traded before the end of his second contract.
It’s the biggest reason the Steelers are where they are.
Alan breaks it down.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Cuts Reflect More Draft Failures | Steelers Morning Rush