10 greatest Steelers draft choices during the Kevin Colbert era
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been great at drafting players thanks to legendary GM Kevin Colbert. Here are his ten best picks.
The Pittsburgh Steelers do their best talent acquisitions through the NFL Draft. That has always been their best way to keep their winning rosters despite annual turnover in the offseason. That system has been still going strong while Kevin Colbert has been one of the top dogs making the decisions during the draft.
There have been many great value picks for the black and gold with Colbert and his team during the process. He had some later-round picks that turned into All-Pros and others that were earlier options that had Hall of Fame careers for themselves. It has been a successful drafting career, along with his other moves, as he gets ready to retire.
Honorable mentions
Mike Wallace, Wide receiver (2009 NFL Draft: 3rd round, pick 84)
Mike Wallace was the first speedy target that Ben Roethlisberger got to have at his disposal. Wallace was extremely fast, especially for the time when his career’s prime lined up. He was able to use his speed to blow by defensive backs and be the top receiver for the Steelers for many years. Wallace was a great value in the third round that turned into a 10-year career, four with Pittsburgh, that spanned tenures with five teams
Max Starks, Offensive tackle (2004 NFL Draft: 3rd round, pick 75)
Max Starks was another great addition for the Steelers in the third round coming out of Florida. he was a cornerstone for the offensive line that helped win two Super Bowl championships. He was able to notch a great career that spanned over 10 seasons, nine with Pittsburgh, and a couple of cups of coffee with the St. Louis Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Arizona Cardinals.
Cam Heyward, Defensive end (2011 NFL Draft: 1st round, pick 31)
Cam Heyward was a great value at the end of round one for the Steelers coming off a Super Bowl loss. He started off his career slowly, but he has become one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL and one of the best leaders. He has continued the black and gold tradition that the team is always looking for. Heyward still has some gas left in the tank for his career, but he will go down as one of the best defensive linemen in franchise history.