Steelers get handed grades for their first-round picks of the last decade

2014: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State

Ryan Shazier was another nice selection as the player fell to the Steelers in the first round. Many didn’t think that he would drop to the 15th overall pick at the time, but he did. This was great value as this freakish athlete would become a keystone for the middle of the still retooling defense. He would come in on day one and make an immediate impact, only to have his career cut short due to injury.

Grade: B+

This was a great selection by the black and gold. Shazier was on track to become one of the better defensive players in the NFL before the injury cut his career short. He was a special talent that will always have fans wondering, what if? That is something that won’t be answered, but it was a great value selection.

2015: Bud Dupree, EDGE, Kentucky

Bud Dupree was another player that most experts didn’t see dropping to the Steelers in the first round. He was their selection when it was their turn to pick, and the club was graded highly for the choice at the time. Dupree had a slow start to his career with the black and gold until T.J. Watt showed up and he started to produce at a high level.

Grade: B

This was a good pick by the team, but they only got a couple of quality seasons out of this player. He has developed nicely since his rookie year and has made a nice career for himself in the NFL. He currently plays for the Tennessee Titans.