15 all-time greatest draft picks in Pittsburgh Steelers history
By Tommy Jaggi
5. LB Jack Lambert
I didn’t get the pleasure of watching the Steel Curtain defense in the 70s in live time, but I do know that Jack Lambert was one of the nastiest dudes on the football field at all times. He and Jack Ham were equally as successful in terms of the Pro Bowls and All-Pros they earned in their historic NFL careers.
Lambert established a reputation as one of the most physically imposing players in all of football. Despite being the 46th overall selection in the second round, Lambert ran away with Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1974. From there, the 6’4” linebacker earned nine straight Pro Bowl appearances.
In 1976, Lambert was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year and came in second place in MVP voting. He was considered a DPOY candidate in five other seasons as well.
To this day, Jack Lambert is considered one of the all-time greatest linebackers in NFL history and was a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. You couldn’t ask for more out of a former second-round draft choice.