15 all-time greatest draft picks in Pittsburgh Steelers history
By Tommy Jaggi
6. LB Jack Ham
I was splitting hairs between Jack Lambert and Jack Ham here, as they both had such remarkable pedigrees and Hall of Fame careers with the Steelers. I decided to go with Ham as the sixth-best draft choice in Pittsburgh’s storied history.
As a former second-round draft choice, it’s hard to ask for anything more than what the Steelers got out of Ham. The legendary linebacker began his career back in 1971. Ham was snubbed of Pro Bowl honors in his second season when he recorded 7 interceptions from the linebacker position, but it didn’t take long to build his reputation.
By year three, Ham earned his first of eight Pro Bowl appearances, and he began his string of six straight First-Team All-Pro honors in 1974. Ham was a focal point of Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain defense and was one of the most consistent and reliable linebackers of his generation.
Ham was a Defensive Player of the Year contestant in 1978 and 1979. He and Jack Lambert are easily two of the best second-round picks the organization has ever made.