The kickoff of the NFL Draft on Thursday had me thinking about the Steelers’ best picks by round, from one through 12, over the past 50 drafts.
Their 1974 draft – celebrating its Golden Anniversary – is the all-time greatest in NFL history. Its blueprint is laid out in Jim Wexell’s book, On the Clock: Pittsburgh Steelers. But what about the best by round?
Rounds 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 didn’t require much thought. In order: Jack Lambert (’74), John Stallworth (’74), Mike Webster (’74), Brett Keisel (’02), Darren Perry (’92), Rich Erenberg (’84) (slim pickings) John Jackson (’88) and Carlton Haselrig (’89) filled those spots.
Rounds 1, 3, and 6 comprised the most difficult choices, but we’ll get to those later.
Meanwhile, Round 11 came down to a pair of players: running back Frank Pollard (’80) and right tackle Justin Strzelczyk (’90). Pollard played nine seasons with the Steelers. His 3,989 rushing yards rank him sixth in team history. He ran for a team-leading 851 yards and a career-high 6 touchdowns in a 1984 season that ended with a loss to the Dolphins in the AFC Championship Game. Strzelczyk also played nine seasons. He made 12 or more starts four times, which included playing a role on a 1995 team that lost to the Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX. So, it’s Strzelczyk. The Steelers rushed for 4.1 yards per carry in three of his four seasons as a regular starter on teams that advanced to the playoffs each year.
A pair of all-time greats made Round 6 a conundrum that doesn’t have a wrong answer, but a decision has to be made. Outside linebacker Greg Lloyd (’87) and receiver Antonio Brown (’10) put the degree of difficulty at 10. Neither had been known for their dispositions, and each played in a Super Bowl. Lloyd had 53.5 sacks and anchored two of the Steelers’ best defenses in the mid-90s. He also relished being a leader. Brown’s statistics from 2013-18 are unprecedented. He caught 686 passes for 9,145 yards and 67 touchdowns. He would be a first-ballot Had he not been a self-centered jerk who left his team in 2018, Lloyd would have been the right pick—a Hall of Famer.
Joey Porter (’99) and Hines Ward (’98) compete for the third round. Outside linebacker Porter gave his all to an NFL defense that won Super Bowl XL and went on to dominate the league throughout the 2000s. With 60 sacks, he was selected for four All-Pro teams (three times as a second team member) and four Pro Bowls. With 1,000 receptions, 85 touchdowns, unmatched blocking, and three Super Bowl appearances (including an MVP award in the XL), Ward ought to be inducted into the Hall of Fame eventually. He is therefore the Steelers’ finest third-round pick.
This winding road finally has reached its destination – Round 1. The candidates include four HOFers and a pair of future first-ballot inductees. It’s the only reason Lynn Swann (’74) deserves consideration. Alan Faneca (’98) ranks among the NFL’s greatest guards, but this is a four-horse race. Cornerback Rod Woodson (’87) and strong safety Troy Polamalu (’03) each are considered to be among the best to play their positions. One easily could earn this title. T.J. Watt (’17) could finish his career as the franchise’s greatest defender, but it’s not enough – yet. The The best first-round selection is…
Whoa! Roethlisberger Ben (’04). Not because his stats are superior to the ones stated earlier. The reason for this is that without him, the Steelers do not win XL and XLIII and go on to win three Super Bowls. 165-81-1 was his career record. Few players have ever had greater stats than him, and the Steelers have always had a strong chance of winning when Roethlisberger is starting quarterback.
This player roster is legendary. Names evoke recollections. Even before they brought up Walter White, the 1975 third-round pick, they had our imaginations racing.
