What are the specific characteristics the Steelers look for in players?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a long standing process when it comes to acquiring players. Some might believe this standard has changed over the last decade, but the core has remained the same. Develop players through the draft by getting players who fit a certain mold, and also acquire free agents who don’t break the bank, but will pay dividends.

When I write the Steelers look to pick players who fit a “mold”, it is easy for fans and media to assume what the organization is looking for when breaking down prospects, but what do the Steelers actually look for?

What was interesting was when Steelers Director of Pro Scouting, Sheldon White, joined FFSN’s Hondo Carpenter on his Las Vegas Raiders Insider podcast, which can be heard in its entirety HERE, to talk about being an executive in the modern day NFL. With Carpenter and White being very good friends, you got to hear more than you maybe usually did when it comes to him giving out information.

At one point during the podcast, Carpenter asked White just what the Steelers look for in a player who is considered a “dude”. For those who may not know, a “dude” is one of those players who is considered elite in every possible way. But don’t take my word for it, here are the characteristics which White said the Steelers look for in these type of players.

“A dude is a guy that has high character, is a hard worker, great teammate, high intellect, tremendous football instincts, and is productive.” White said. “When the game is on the line this guys is focused and he is making the play to win the game.”

White didn’t stop there, and expounded on what both he, and the Steelers, look for in players when they are potentially going to bring them into the organization in one way or another.

Other characteristics include, “Being a captain and/or leader, they love the game and are a 100% football guy, they study the game, and are willing to helping young teammates.”

To be clear, these characteristics are likely embodied by players who wouldn’t fall into the “dude” category. There are lots of players who are high character, love the game, help teammates and have a high intellect, but Sheldon White was specific when he said he can’t pretend talent doesn’t matter. In fact, he went as far to say all those things are important, “as well as talent level to go with it. That’s a dude.”

People labeled as “dudes” don’t come around every often to all 32 NFL organizations. When you think of the Steelers current roster, only a handful would be labeled as such. T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick would likely all fall into that category, and a player like Zach Frazier absolutely could prove to be a “dude” in the coming seasons.

For the skeptics out there who feel as if the Steelers have lost touch with their “standard”, just remember these are characteristics the Steelers covet. It doesn’t mean every player drafted will check all those boxes. Take George Pickens as an example. Would he be considered a “dude” by these standards? He checks a lot of boxes, but not all. Therefore, he wouldn’t be labeled as a “dude”, but is still a very good football player.

If you didn’t listen to the full interview with Sheldon White, click the link earlier in the podcast. It will be worth your time as it provides some insight to the inner workings of the Steelers organization from a talent acquisition standpoint.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for Mandatory Minicamp next week.