15 all-time greatest draft picks in Pittsburgh Steelers history

3. CB Mel Blount

I feel bad for the wide receivers around the league who were forced to line up against Mel Blount in the 70s and early 80s. It was a different league back then with not nearly as many rules that favored the offense, and Blount took advantage.

Not only was Blount one of the most physical defensive backs in all of football, but the 6’3” cornerback also had a nose for the football. He earned 57 interceptions in his 14-year career with the Steelers. His best season came in 1975 when Blount set records with his 11 interception season in 14 games. He earned the Defensive Player of the Year award as a result.

Surprisingly, Blount only earned two First-Team All-Pro honors in his lengthy career despite rarely being injured. Regardless, he was one of the most physically imposing defensive backs to ever play the game. The fact that he did all of this as a former third-round pick in 1970 is simply remarkable. Considering the value of the draft position, this is easily one of the most impressive selections Pittsburgh ever made in the NFL Draft.