Colbert and Tomlin talk 2011 NFL Draft

By Dale Grdnic

PITTSBURGH -- Thanks to the current collective bargaining situation and player lockout in the NFL, this week's draft could be the most interesting in years.

Veterans cannot be traded, unrestricted free agents basically don't count toward the current rosters and undrafted college free agents cannot be signed after the draft concludes. As soon as the annual NFL Draft ends, approximately 4 p.m. Saturday, the newly drafted rookies are locked out as well.

So, that should put increased importance on this year's draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Round 1 begins Thursday at 8 p.m., while Rounds 2-3 begin Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Rounds 4-7 begin Saturday beginning at noon. The Steelers have seven picks this year, one in each round.

"We started out with about 1,000 names, (and) we probably have about 400 more detailed, cumulative-type reports (on players) that include several scouts and coaches,'' Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert said. "And we narrowed that down to probably about a 200-player draft pool.

"And (we) narrowed that down farther to about 160 (players) who fit the Pittsburgh Steelers. ... We eliminated about 40 or so guys based on character, medical or not really fitting our defense. They were a better fit for a 4-3 and not a 3-4 defense. Then, out of that, there's probably 100 that we believe can improve our team, and they're at all different levels throughout the draft.