Let's Ride: Steelers prospects who fit Mike McCarthy's prototype

Steel Curtain Network: A Pittsburgh Steelers podcast39mApril 10, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of the Steel Curtain Network's 'Let's Ride,' host Jeff Harbour dives into the Pittsburgh Steelers' upcoming NFL Draft preparations, focusing on head coach Mike McCarthy's stated prototype for ideal draft picks. The discussion centers on McCarthy's emphasis on versatile wide receivers who can play multiple positions—X, Z, and F—highlighting the need for players with size, route-running ability, and blocking skills. Coach Kevin Smith breaks down receiver roles and identifies prospects like Jeremy Bernard and Omar Cooper as strong fits. The conversation then shifts to quarterbacks, with McCarthy's preference for long-armed, large-handed signal-callers akin to Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre. While prospects like Will Howard are praised for their physical measurables and championship pedigree, the episode questions whether intangibles like leadership and 'it factor' can be replicated. The segment also explores the Steelers' potential draft strategy amid public perception concerns, particularly around hosting the draft and trading first-round picks. The episode concludes with a call to attend the Steelers' draft party in Hagerstown, Maryland, featuring autographed memorabilia giveaways.

Key Takeaways
1

Mike McCarthy values versatile wide receivers who can play multiple positions (X, Z, F) and bring blocking ability and route-running savvy.

2

Prospects like Jeremy Bernard and Omar Cooper are strong fits for McCarthy’s prototype due to size, football IQ, and versatility.

3

McCarthy’s quarterback prototype emphasizes long arms (31+ inches) and large hands (9.375+ inches), favoring players like Will Howard who match these physical traits.

4

While physical measurables are important, intangibles like leadership and clutch performance remain critical and harder to quantify.

5

The Steelers may be influenced by public perception when making draft decisions, potentially affecting trade offers involving high picks.

…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
1 min

Sponsor: Meinl Schmidt Distillery

A promotional segment for Meinl Schmidt Distillery, emphasizing whiskey as a catalyst for memorable nights and relationships, with a discount code for listeners.

1:44
2 min

Draft Countdown & Pre-Draft Visits

Jeff Harbour updates listeners on the Steelers' pre-draft visit tracker, noting 25 total visits with eight remaining, and highlights key prospects like Denzel Boston and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

5:46
3 min

Coach's Corner: McCarthy's Prototype & Draft Vision

I don't like to play this guy. I don't like to play this guy's an X, this guy's a Z, this guy's an F, end quote. Meaning he doesn't want to draft a receiver who can only do one thing.

Highlight
9:09
9 min

Receiver Roles & Prototype Fit

He brings a lineman's mentality to the receiver position, which you can see when you watch him on film.

Highlight
18:26
17 min

Quarterback Prototype & Will Howard

He's got all that stuff now. Can he lead a team? Can he play quarterback at the highest level? We don't know the answer to that.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
The truth is, you won't remember the label. you won't remember the proof. You'll remember who you were, what was said and how it felt.
Meinl Schmidt Distillery (ad)0:19
Viral: 90.0
I can't honestly say to anyone listening to this show that I think that there's no way they would do that because I think Art Rooney does care about public perception.
Jeff Harbour32:00
Viral: 88.0
I don't like to play this guy. I don't like to play this guy's an X, this guy's a Z, this guy's an F, end quote. Meaning he doesn't want to draft a receiver who can only do one thing.
Coach Kevin Smith12:35
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Host

Jeff Harbour

Guest

Kevin Smith
Topics Discussed
Mike McCarthy's Prototype95%NFL Draft Strategy90%Quarterback Measurables88%Receiver Position Versatility85%Will Howard Draft Potential80%Public Perception & Team Decisions75%Pre-Draft Visits70%Draft Party & Fan Engagement65%
People & Brands

Pittsburgh Steelers

other

25xPositive

Kevin Smith

person

18xPositive

Mike McCarthy

person

15xPositive

Will Howard

person

12xPositive

Jeff Harbour

person

12xNeutral

NFL Draft

other

8xPositive

Ben Roethlisberger

person

7xPositive

Aaron Rodgers

person

6xPositive

Steel Curtain Network

organization

6xPositive

Jeremy Bernard

person

5xPositive

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