The 6th round of the 2017 NFL Draft saw the Steelers draft Colin Holba, long snapper from Louisville.
And, no ladies and gentleman, if you didn’t spend the weekend glued to your TV or social media feed, that’s not a misprint. The Steelers spent a 6th round pick on a long snapper.
Steelers draft Colin Holba in 6th round, Long Snapper from Louisville. Photo Credit: Beaver County Times
The move created a firestorm on Twitter, from fans and pundits alike.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) April 29, 2017
Later, admitting he was jesting, Jim Wexell offered this as a justification even after he’d learned that Steelers management does have concerns about Greg Warren’s durability:
Here's the thing Heath: had to expect any team needing a LS would wait till 7th rd. Steelers picking 30th in 7th. Had to jump 'em. https://t.co/uB8YlFR6mE
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) April 30, 2017
Indeed, Kevin Colbert felt that Colin Holba was a “draftable” long snapper, so the Steelers took him. In case you’re wondering, draft analysts do rate long snappers, at least a few of them.
Writing on Steel City Insider, Jim Wexell quoted the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s Bob McGinn who rated three long snappers going into the draft and rated Holba clearly above the rest of the pack.
Here in 2017, even Long Snappers have their own draft highlight reels:
If you’re like me, you’re still more than skeptical about drafting a long snapper in any round. Fair enough. But let’s close with a little wisdom from Jim Wexell:
Football genius Belichick drafted long-snapper Joe Cardona in the fifth round of 2015 draft. Led Patriots to Super Bowl last year. I swear
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) April 29, 2017
