Steelers' Art Rooney II Overruled Kevin Colbert And Mike Tomlin On Draft Night To Select 6-Time Pro Bowl Guard David DeCastro

The Pittsburgh Steelers have worked hard to establish a reputation for being good at the NFL Draft. The Steelers have the greatest draft class in NFL history with the unparalleled 1974 draft class that produced five Hall of Fame players if you count undrafted free agent Donnie Shell. The Steelers’ draft team of Bill Nunn, Dick Haley, Chuck Noll, and Dan Rooney set a precedent of a cooperative environment that has served the Steelers well for decades.

When Pittsburgh had a disagreement during the process, the final vote went to Mr. Rooney who occasionally would step in and overrule his draft team. The Steelers’ process is opaque and whatever is done behind closed doors rarely escapes the sanctity of the draft room. When it does, it is usually an anecdote that worked out for the best and demonstrates that when they had a strong feeling, the Rooney family wasn’t afraid to exercise the executive privilege.

CBS Sports reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala joined the The PM Team w/ Poni & Mueller on Wednesday to discuss Omar Khan’s first offseason as general manager and the upcoming draft process. Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller speculated on the decision to possibly trade up and select Jalen Carter and Kinkhabwala reminded them a decision like that might not be Khan’s to make.

“The ultimate yes or no in the room on draft night will be Art Rooney,” Kinkhabwala pointed out. “I come back to my favorite trademark story, probably because I like him so much, David DeCastro. The entire room thought the Steelers were going with Dont’a Hightower. It was at the last second that ownership stepped in and said we are taking David DeCastro.”

In 2012, Art Rooney II followed in his father’s footsteps when a draft day disagreement forced him into a decision. Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin agreed that Dont’a Hightower was the best fit for the team, and they were set to select him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Rooney disagreed and overruled his team in a rare conflict of opinion and forced the selection of David DeCastro who went on to anchor the Steelers’ offensive line until an ankle injury cut his career short, forcing the team to release him before the 2021 season.

The situation also underscores how much the Steelers value the draft process in free agency. When Mr. Rooney insisted on DeCastro, Colbert, and Tomlin filed the information they had gathered on Hightower away for the future. In 2017, they made a spirited run at signing Hightower as a free agent, remembering how highly they thought of him on draft night in 2012. Hightower ultimately re-signed with the New England Patriots, but the Steelers received serious consideration during the process.

Hightower had a fine career making two Pro Bowls and was a key member of three Super Bowl championship teams, but DeCastro went on to six Pro Bowls in nine seasons and is a candidate for the Hall of Fame. DeCastro added two First Team All-Pro selections and was arguably the best right guard in football during his career. He did not get an opportunity to play in a Super Bowl, but there is no denying that Mr. Rooney made the right call that night.

Steelers May Have Unique Opportunity To Acquire Top Player In 2023 NFL Draft

The Steelers may be facing a similar decision if Carter starts to slip down the draft board in the first round. Andy Weidl, Khan, and Tomlin might be sold on trading up, but Kinkhabwala accurately pointed out to Fillipponi and Mueller that it won’t be up to them. The question is what will Mr. Rooney decide if the opportunity presents itself?