30 greatest Pittsburgh Steelers of the 2000s

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his touchdown with defensive end Brett Keisel against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of the AFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his touchdown with defensive end Brett Keisel against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of the AFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 25: Marvel Smith #77, Alan Faneca #66 and Jeff Hartings #64 of the Pittsburgh Steelers watch a replay of a sack allowed to the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on September 25, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Patriots won 23-20. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 25: Marvel Smith #77, Alan Faneca #66 and Jeff Hartings #64 of the Pittsburgh Steelers watch a replay of a sack allowed to the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on September 25, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Patriots won 23-20. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

21. Marvel Smith, OT (2000)

When you want to talk about a Steelers player who hasn’t received enough credit for their contributions, look no further than offensive tackle Marvel Smith.

Smith was drafted with the 38th overall pick back in 2000 (just 30 picks after they took Plaxico Burress). While second-round draft choices are expected to make significant contributions, Smith outdid himself with his.

Though he was selected to just one Pro Bowl in his 9-year NFL career, Smith was loyal to the Steelers. He started 108 of the 111 games he played in, and never put on another NFL uniform in his career.

Marvel Smith jumped around the line and spent most of his time at right tackle in his first three NFL seasons before finding a permanent home at left tackle in 2003.

Smith was part of an offensive line that paved the way for five 1,000 yard rushing seasons between Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker. Alejandro Villanueva will likely surpass Smith on this list, but he should still go down as one of the better tackles in Steelers’ history.

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