Age matters

[Oviedo]

Historiaclly, the Steelers have liked to take younger players in Round 1 of the draft. They want to most time to develop a player. Looking at this year's draft, where do some of the most frequently mentioned names fall? Broderick Jones was drafted at age 21 last year.

<22 years old.
A. Mims (21)
Graham Barton (21)
Cooper DeJean (21)
Terrion Arnold (21)
Kool Aid Mckinstry (21)
JC Latham (21)
Nate Wiggins (20)
T. Fuaga (21)
O. Fashanu (21)
Thomas Jr (21)

>22 years old
Zach Frazier (22)
Tyler Guyton (22)
Xdonai Mitchell (22)
T Fautanu (23)

[hawaiiansteel]

add "Blue's Clues":


https://steelersdepot.com/2024/04/if-steelers-blues-clues-hold-true-pittsburghs-first-rounder-will-be-one-of-these-names/

[WindyCitySteel]

Najee Harris was a 23-year old rookie, Kenny 24.

[Ernie]

I see no difference in 21 and 22.. they probably graduated the same year.. 24 is a little different story..

[Buzz]

23 and 24 year olds are still pretty young-- just get players

[Northern_Blitz]

23 and 24 year olds are still pretty young-- just get players

I think the idea with getting younger guys is that when it comes time for their 2nd contracts, they are still a contract away from turning 30.

But I agree that age should be a secondary consideration to talent / fit.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

Historiaclly, the Steelers have liked to take younger players in Round 1 of the draft. They want to most time to develop a player. Looking at this year's draft, where do some of the most frequently mentioned names fall? Broderick Jones was drafted at age 21 last year.

<22 years old.
A. Mims (21)
Graham Barton (21)
Cooper DeJean (21)
Terrion Arnold (21)
Kool Aid Mckinstry (21)
JC Latham (21)
Nate Wiggins (20)
T. Fuaga (21)
O. Fashanu (21)
Thomas Jr (21)

>22 years old
Zach Frazier (22)
Tyler Guyton (22)
Xdonai Mitchell (22)
T Fautanu (23)

A drafted player's age mean jack on whether he can play of not. I'll worry about a player age on his second and third contact and his health.

Now if a player did not start enough games or stated too many and is a running back ....

An injury report on a college player however is something to be taken very seriously.

[NorthCoast]

If an older player is more 'NFL ready' they may take shorter time in development. Hence perform at a higher level quicker. Take a 21 year old and another 2 yrs to develop nets the same result. And I don't know that teams necessarily favor younger players. It simply could be the case that the pool of candidates is dominated by 21 and 22 year olds. These kids want to start making money as soon as possible.