COLUMBUS, Ohio – For nearly 40 years, Kevin Colbert was involved in the inner workings of an NFL front office, most recently for 22 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. So when Ohio State went searching for a speaker to talk to its players about what could await them as professional football players, Colbert checked all the boxes.
A 37-year NFL front office veteran, Colbert was the general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 12 years (2010-22) and also held the title of director of football operations for 10 years (2000-2010). From 1990-99, he was the pro scouting director for the Detroit Lions and got his start in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins as a college scout from 1985-89.
Colbert’s message and advice to the Buckeyes on Tuesday revolved around the draft process, from the time a player submits his name and receives feedback on their potential draft position to the time he signs his first contract. That includes the on and off-field evaluation period, the NFL Draft Combine and individual Pro Day’s and the rookie contract and salary structure.
Next April, several publications are already predicting a large contingent of Buckeyes will hear their names called at the 2024 NFL Draft. The Buckeyes lead all college football programs with 90 first round picks and have had 32 players drafted in the last four years.
