15 all-time greatest draft picks in Pittsburgh Steelers history

14. RB Franco Harris

Though the value of running backs might have diminished in today’s NFL, such was not the case back in the 70s. As a former 13th overall pick during the 1972 NFL Draft, Franco Harris was worth his weight in gold to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

During his first eight NFL seasons, Harris earned over 1,000 yards rushing seven times. His best stretch came from 1975 to 1977 when he recorded over 1,100 rushing yards and at least 10 touchdowns in each season.

Since entering the league, Harris made nine straight Pro Bowl appearances to begin his career, and he earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 1977. Harris was a staple of Pittsburgh’s excellent rushing offense before he was reduced to just a part-time role late in his NFL career.

Harris spent 12 of 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and helped his team rake in their first four Lombardi Trophies. Franco Harris may have been a first-round pick, but he was better than the team could have ever expected.