Steelers biggest draft reliefs over the past ten years

Steelers grab Bell over Lacy in 2013

With the team eyeing an RB early in the 2013 draft, many fans had their eyes set on Alabama’s Eddie Lacy. The 250lb back had dominated at the collegiate level, and he looked the part of the typical Steelers power back. It seemed like destiny when he fell to them in the second round, but they opted for a lower-rated Le’Veon Bell instead. Fans and media alike were outraged that the Steelers passed on seemingly the perfect power back for one who had far less upside.

After their rookie seasons, not much had changed. Bell looked good early on, but Lacy was dominant in his rookie year. He followed that up with an equally strong second year, but his weight soon became an issue for him. He lost a lot of his speed and agility as his weight ballooned. This led to his eventual leaving of the Packers, signing with the Seahawks where he would play for one season before truly falling out of the league.

In the meantime, Bell became the best all-purpose back in the league, amassing incredible running and receiving stats along the way. While his end with the Steelers wasn’t ideal, fans should remember him for the dominance he displayed while here. Lacy may have jumped to a better start early on, but Bell has become far and away the better pro.