The Khan Man: Will Steelers' Aggressive Offseason Pay Off?

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Scott Mangan. Follow him on Twitter @ScottMangan2

You could say a GM is just as important as the guy under center in the NFL. Omar Kahn has seemingly won the hearts of Steelers nation even before his new team stepped onto the field. While he may say it’s just business as usual, you can see that Omar is going to make any move necessary that puts the Steelers in a better position to win.

Upon his inauguration, Omar got right to work in the middle of the season, trading away Chase Claypool for what ended up being the first pick in the second round. That deserves an A+ grade. He also added William Jackson to a cornerback room that was baned up and needed more depth. Unfortunately, Jackson didn’t get to see the field due to a lingering issue, but it showed right away that Omar was going to be aggressive, which was a breath of fresh air for Steeler fans everywhere.

During the season was just the start of this exciting new regime. With the influence of Omar’s close friend Andy Weidl, you were able to see which direction they wanted this organization to go in immediately. Their first signing was veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson, someone with a ton of experience and plenty of gas left in the tank. This signing seemed to open the gates to a rookie corner or two being drafted and learning from one of the league's best.

When it comes to the trenches, they did not shy away from building that “Pickett Fence,” adding the likes of Nate Herbig and one of the best guards in football Isaac Seumalo. When it came to the defensive side of the ball there was an overhaul of the linebacking core with the exits of Myles Jack and Devin Bush. They then signed Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. Two guys that love running downhill and are not scared of contact.

With an already heart pumping off-season underway, the next best day in football came -- the NFL Draft.

The front office did not shy away from showing that they want to be the most physically powerful and gifted team on the field every single week. Drafting top tackle Broderick Jones with their first pick and then drafting a familiar face to the organization in Joey Porter Jr, the stand out Penn-State Corner. Yinz already going crazy, but Omar didn’t stop there, he went out and drafted Keeanu Benton to add to the D-Line room and now gets to learn from one of the greats in Cam Heyward. Then with him dropping to pick 93 the Steelers had to take him before he was gone, Mount Washington himself, the 6’7 physical freak that can block like a tackle.

Just to add a little bit of spice to their already great draft, they went and drafted Nick Herbig, brother of Nate. Nick has a motor and never gives up on a play. Finishing their incredible draft up with Purdue corner Corey Trice Jr, who is said to be the steal of the draft, and Spencer Anderson, a Tackle out of Maryland, because you know Coach Tomlin had to get himself a Maryland boy. What a job.

If this off-season and draft showed us anything it’s that Omar Kahn and crew are not afraid to be aggressive and will make sure wherever the team is perceived weak, they will try and fix it one way or another. There is a breath of fresh air with Omar and there is extra juice and excitement going in the 2023/24 season with a team that looks primed for a playoff run.