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3 greatest draft selections in Steelers franchise history

By Ryan Pawloski

PASADENA, CA- JANUARY 20: Terry Bradshaw #12 of the Pittsburgh Steelers turns and hands the ball off to running back Rocky Bleier #20 against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl XIV on January 20, 1980 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Steelers won the Super Bowl 31-19. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA- JANUARY 20: Terry Bradshaw #12 of the Pittsburgh Steelers turns and hands the ball off to running back Rocky Bleier #20 against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl XIV on January 20, 1980 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Steelers won the Super Bowl 31-19. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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The Steelers are known for drafting and developing their talent. Some selections are more impactful than others throughout a team’s history. 

This franchise has had many selections in the draft ever since joining the NFL in 1933. Some of those picks were busts but some would alter the entire future of the franchise in the best way possible. Some picks just find a way of changing the trajectory of the team. Before the 70s, the Steelers struggled to be competitive in the league. They were the laughing stocks until they finally made great choices in the draft. The black and gold were finally able to find and develop talent. Those players would become amazing talents that would pave a historic career with Pittsburgh.

Every team has their franchise-altering draft picks during the history of the franchise. Some teams have more Hall of Fame players than others. The Steelers are one team that uniquely has had a stable ability to select and develop players into those Hall of Fame echelon talents. It is not easy to pick those types of players but this franchise has had the knack for choosing them.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, 2004 NFL Draft/ Round: 1/ Pick: 11

The storied quarterback class of 2004 will go down as one of the best in NFL history. The class included Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger. The problem was the Steelers did not choose until pick 11 so the chance of one of them falling to their selection was slim. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the Giants and San Diego pulled off a trade and that opened up the door for Roethlisberger to fall to pick 11. It was a choice that opened the door for the black and gold to come back to contention material.

Roethlisberger helped change the culture of this team. He was able to balance the squad out and compliment a legendary defense during his early years which led him to two Super Bowl victories. As his career began to age, the team relied more on him to lead this team. It became a powerful offense that was orchestrated by the former Miami of Ohio product. His Hall of Fame resume has changed this franchise for the better and created years of competition and championships.

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