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Colbert Excited To Evaluate New Talent At NFL Combine

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- This is one of Pittsburgh Steelers' General Manager Kevin Colbert's favorite times of the year.

The NFL Combine is this week in Indianapolis. Colbert will have a chance to evaluate more the 320 potential draft picks before the combine concludes on Monday.

Not only is Colbert and the Steelers front office staff evaluating future NFL stars, they are also evaluating their current roster.

The Steelers are coming off their best season in years, but are still looking at every position to improve.

One position Colbert isn't looking to upgrade is the quarterback. The Steelers have their quarterback of the future and are currently working on a contract extension.

WEB EXTRA: Full interview with Kevin Colbert:

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Colbert told KDKA sports anchor Rich Walsh on Wednesday that both sides are eager to get a new deal done and it will get done soon.

"Both sides have the same goal in mind," he said. "I know Ben wants to finish his career here and we certainly want to have him finish his career as a Steeler."

Colbert also talked to Walsh about the possibility of having to part ways with some popular veterans.

"Anytime you have to let go of a player that's been a part of your success, a part of your Super Bowl championship, it's never easy," said Colbert. "That's something we don't like to do but is necessary."

Colbert and the Steelers will have to make a decision regarding four veterans - Troy Polamalu, Brett Keisel, Ike Taylor and James Harrison.

Colbert will have to make those tough decisions soon. NFL free agency begins March 10 at 4 p.m.

As for the NFL draft, which is April 30 to May 2, the Steelers pick 22nd.

Colbert will stick with the same philosophy that has made the Steelers successful.

They plan to draft the best available athlete, not reach for a position of need.

"We want to evaluate the whole field," Colbert said.

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