Pittsburgh Steelers: 15 greatest first-round picks of all-time

Steelers 2003 first-round pick: SS Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu came into the NFL as one of the meanest, hard-hitting safeties in the 2003 NFL Draft. After being selected No. 16 overall by the Steelers, he emerged as one of the most electrifying defensive backs to play the game.

The eight-time Pro Bowler hasn’t made his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, yet, but it’s certainly in his future. Two Super Bowl rings, an NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and four First-Team All-Pro selections later, Polamalu left the NFL as one of the greatest players at his position.

Injuries hindered Polamalu’s career towards the end, and eventually, Pittsburgh forced his hand into retirement. But before the struggles, the long-haired turnover machine made plays no one thought were possible on the gridiron.

Currently, the relationship between Polamalu and the Steelers is nonexistent. Tensions still surround the two and their controversial ending. By the time No. 43 enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame, though, fans and the organization are hoping the two sides can fix their issues.