Report: Steelers GM Kevin Colbert Wanted Three Rounds Added to Draft

With the NFL holding firm that the 2020 Draft will go on as scheduled, albeit in a completely virtual format, team officials around the league have reportedly expressed their displeasure with the idea. That apparently includes Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert.

According to a report by Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Colbert told league officials that each club should be provided with three additional drafts picks to make up for the scouting restrictions and challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As result of the league’s restrictions on travel, teams have been unable to do their normal due diligence with prospects, such as attending pro days, holding private workouts and conducting in-person interviews.

Less scouting means more opportunities for mistakes in the draft process. By expanding it to ten rounds, Colbert believes that teams would have more leeway and a wider margin for error with selections.

Teams are still allowed to conduct video conference calls and interviews with prospects, but they must disclose a list of players they communicate with to the league.

Colbert isn’t the only AFC North decision-maker with concerns about the new format. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is worried about his team getting hacked during the entirely virtual draft.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell warned teams that public criticism of the NFL Draft was “grounds for disciplinary action” back in his March 26th memo to clubs.