Steelers biggest draft reliefs over the past ten years

Falcons choose Hageman over Tuitt

The Steelers were in desperate need of their DE of the future in 2014, as a 36-year-old Brett Keisel and a disappointing Cam Thomas were scheduled to be the starters at the position. Ahead of the draft, two prospects seemed to scream Steelers DE: Stephon Tuitt and Ra’Shede Hageman. Both were identical in height and weight, with their differences stemming from Tuitt’s injury questions to Hageman’s lack of college production. Both prospects had their risks, and luckily the Steelers didn’t have to choose between the two at the end of the day.

The Falcons added Hageman atop of the second round, allowing for Tuitt to fall to the Steelers. No one can be sure who they would have chosen, but considering Hageman’s potential at the time, it wouldn’t have been surprising if they went that route. The Falcons found out quickly that Hageman’s potential didn’t translate to the field, and they cut him after three disappointing seasons.

While Tuitt has struggled with injuries, he has been a beast while on the field. There was no better defender than Tuitt on the Steelers last year before he was lost for the season. He was nearly unlockable and helped make opposing offenses fear the team’s’ defensive line. We really ought to thank the Falcons, since their selection of Hageman allowed for the Steelers to secure their line for years to come.