There have been many outstanding draft picks in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but here are their fifteen greatest draft-day decisions of all time.
When you think about the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the first thing that comes to mind might be the successful seasons this team has had, the six Lombardi Trophies they have earned, or the three brilliant head coaches spanning over 50 years who have led the charge.
However, what is a team without its players? While there have been many franchises that have been more successful in finding All-Pro players in free agency, Pittsburgh has been one of the best drafting teams in NFL history.
The Steelers have a lengthy list of fantastic draft choices throughout the years. Some of these NFL Draft selections were highly touted prospects coming out of college, while others were late-round steals. Factoring in the value of their draft position and success they’ve found in their careers, here are the fifteen all-time greatest draft picks in Pittsburgh Steelers history:
15. WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward wasn’t exactly the complete package at the wide receiver position. He had just average size and certainly wasn’t going to wow anyone with his speed or burst after the catch. However, Ward had a terrific feel for the game and was one of the toughest players to ever play the position.
Ward was a former third-round draft choice by the Steelers back in 1998. In his first season, Ward didn’t log a single start. In fact, his career really didn’t heat up until his fourth season in 2001 when he narrowly cracked 1,000 yards for the first time.
From there, Ward earned four straight Pro Bowls and became one of the most consistent receiving options in the NFL over this span. Ward might have averaged just 12.1 yards per reception throughout his 14-year career, but he did the dirty work over the middle of the field as well as anyone.
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.
13. OG Alan Faneca
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some excellent offensive lineman over the years, but Alan Faneca was easily the best they’ve had in my lifetime. Listed at 6’5” and 316 pounds, Faneca was a sound pass protector and a road-grader in the running game. He even had the all-important block in Super Bowl XL that allowed Willie Parker to spring off the longest run in Super Bowl history.
Expectations were relatively high for Faneca coming out of LSU back in the 1998 NFL Draft, as the former first-round pick was considered a blue-chip prospect. While he was a pretty solid player early in his career, Faneca was already considered one of the NFL’s best interior offensive lineman by year four.
In 2001, Faneca was named to the Pro Bowl and earned the first of his six First-Team All-Pro selections. From 2001 to 2007, Faneca was arguably the best interior offensive lineman in the NFL. In 2021, Faneca was finally (and deservingly) inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
For my money, Faneca should be considered one of the top two offensive linemen in Steelers history. The former 26th overall pick would have gone much higher in a re-draft.
12. WR John Stallworth
John Stallworth and Lynn Swann made the passing game cool before it ever was. While both were remarkable football players, Stallworth had a much longer NFL career, and all 14 of his seasons came as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It’s also worth noting that Stallworth was a former fourth-round draft choice (82nd overall) back in Pittsburgh’s historic 1974 draft class that included four Hall of Fame players (that’s not even counting Donnie Shell who went undrafted).
I don’t think the Steelers ever projected to get such a long, productive career out of Stallworth. While he only made the Pro Bowl three times in 14 seasons and earned First-Team All-Pro honors just once, the long talented wide receiver became a go-to weapon for Terry Bradshaw
Stallworth wasn’t used as often as a vertical threat over his final few seasons, but he still managed to average 16.2 yards per reception in his impressive career, according to Pro Football Reference. In my opinion, he’s the best fourth-round selection Pittsburgh ever made.
11. CB Rod Woodson
Rod Woodson isn’t like the other historic players on this list, as he played his final seven seasons as a member of opposing franchises (San Francisco, Baltimore, and Oakland). Still, the Steelers were able to get a decade of phenomenal play out of a player who would later be considered among the greatest defensive backs of all time.
Woodson was the 10th overall pick back in the 1987 NFL Draft. Though he didn’t start a single game as a rookie, he was electrifying in his second NFL season. By year three, Woodson would earn his first of seven Pro Bowls with the Steelers. He also managed to take make First-Team All-Pro five times during his 10 seasons in Pittsburgh.
Rod Woodson was still a terrific player after leaving the Steelers. In fact, one of his best seasons came at the age of 37 with the Oakland Raiders when he recorded 82 tackles, 16 pass defenses, and led the NFL with 8 interceptions.
Woodson was an absolute legend and I would have loved to see him finish his career with the Steelers. Regardless, he still goes down as one of the best draft picks in Pittsburgh Steelers history.
10. QB Terry Bradshaw
Some might argue that Terry Bradshaw needs to be much higher on this list, but remember, I also factored draft position into these rankings. As the former number one overall pick in 1970, expectations were very high for Bradshaw.
Unfortunately, things got off to a very rocky start. During his rookie season, Bradshaw started just 8 of 12 games, but the results were not good. He completed just 38.1 percent of his passes for 1,410 yards with 6 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.
For as bad as he was starting off, it’s remarkable that the Steelers didn’t turn to someone else. His saving grace was the fact that Pittsburgh spent the first overall pick on him. Eventually, Bradshaw would turn things around. Though he didn’t have great production in his third season, he led the Steelers to an 11-3 record.
In his sixth NFL season in 1975, Bradshaw’s career really started to take off. While I don’t think that Bradshaw was an elite quarterback, it’s hard to argue with the results as he helped lead his team to four Super Bowl victories.
9. WR Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown didn’t leave Pittsburgh on a good note and this name will probably always leave a bitter taste in the mouths of Steelers fans. However, when you consider the All-Pro player this team got with a sixth-round pick, how could he not be high on this list.
In his first season, Brown caught just 16 passes and took on return duties. By his second year, he had already passed fellow draftmate and third-round pick, Emmanuel Sanders, on the roster. By 2014, Brown already inserted his name atop the list of the best receivers in the NFL — earning 110 catches, 1,499 yards, and 8 touchdowns.
Starting from there, Brown had one of the best six-year stretches we have ever seen from a player at the wide receiver position, as his production was off the charts. In his 9 seasons with the Steelers, Brown earned 6 Pro Bowls and 4 First-Team All-Pros.
Strictly grading his performance on the field, Brown had a chance to put himself into a legendary category. Though his reputation will forever be stained, he was one of the best sixth-round picks the NFL has ever seen.
8. S Troy Polamalu
When completely healthy, you can probably count on one hand the number of Steelers who have ever made an impact like Troy Polamalu. The aggressive, play-making safety was truly one-of-a-kind with what he was able to bring to the table.
It was this type of competitiveness that his teammates rallied around — having every bit of confidence that Polamalu could come up with a big play at any moment. For most of his career, he was an absolute difference-maker on defense.
In 2003, Kevin Colbert traded up to land Polamau with the 16th overall pick — a move that many questioned at the time. However, by his second NFL season, Polamalu had already put that discussion to rest after recording 97 tackles, 14 pass defenses, and 5 interceptions by the age of 23.
In the following seasons, Polamalu established himself as one of the most iconic players in football. He played all 12 of his NFL seasons in Pittsburgh and recorded 8 Pro Bowl appearances and 4 first-team All-Pro honors. Polamalu was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 and played a large role in Pittsburgh’s two Super Bowl victories of the 2000s.
7. DE L.C. Greenwood
If this were just a list of all-time greatest NFL Draft steals, L.C. Greenwood’s name would be dangerously close to the top of the list. All the way back in 1969, Greenwood was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 10th round (pick 238 overall). I’m willing to bet that some younger fans didn’t even know that was possible.
While it would be a big enough challenge just to make the team with these odds stacked against you, Greenwood rose to the occasion and didn’t let his draft status dictate the player he was about to become in the NFL.
He had to work hard for it though. Greenwood did not see his first NFL start until his third season in the league. From there, however, the gifted pass-rusher earned 11 sacks in 1971 and never looked back.
L.C. Greenwood played all 13 of his NFL seasons as a member of the Steelers. While he didn’t have good enough career production to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, Greenwood earned six Pro Bowls, two All-Pros, and played a key role in Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl victories of the 70s.
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.
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.
4. DL Joe Greene
Like L.C. Greenwood, Joe Greene was drafted just before the merger in 1970, but it’s impossible not to include him on this list. “Mean” Joe was considered an elite prospect coming out of North Texas, and the Steelers spent the 4th overall pick in the 1969 NFL Draft to acquire him.
After Greene’s arrival in Pittsburgh, it didn’t take long for the entire culture of the Steelers to shift gears. A team that was once a bottom-dweller now became quite competitive and the defense took a massive leap forward.
Greene was dominant from the gate — earning 9.5 sacks and Pro Bowl honors in his rookie season. However, by his third year in the league, the Steelers had the most successful season in their history dating all the way back to 1933.
Greene was an absolute menace along the defensive line. He earned 10 Pro Bowls and 4 First-Team All-Pro selections while snagging the Defensive Player of the Year award twice in his career. The only reason he’s fourth on this list is that he was drafted so high.
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.
2. QB Ben Roethlisberger
I know that Ben Roethlisberger was the 11th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, but nobody knew exactly what the Steelers were getting at the time out of the big Miami (OH) quarterback. In 2004, Eli Manning and Philip Rivers were more highly-touted prospects, but it was Roethlisberger who would have the last laugh.
Despite coming from a non-Power Five football program, Roethlisberger found the field early in his career when Tommy Maddox went down with an injury. He never looked back. In Big Ben’s very first NFL season, he had a remarkable 15-1 record — his only loss coming in the AFC Championship Game.
The following year by the age of 23, Roethlisberger was a Super Bowl champion. He earned his second Super Bowl ring in 2008 and went to a third Super Bowl following the 2010 season.
Now Big Ben is retired, but he will be headed to Canton soon. There is little doubt that was among the very best draft choices in Pittsburgh Steelers history, and without him, we probably have two fewer Super Bowl wins right now.
1. Mike Webster
This isn’t a list of the most important players in Steelers history; rather, the best all-time draft selections. A center is rarely the most important player on the football field, but Pittsburgh got one fantastic offensive lineman in Mike Webster.
It’s extremely rare to find a former fifth-round player who was good enough to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Not only was Webster good enough to have a bust in Canton, but he is also widely considered one of the top centers to ever play the game.
Webster’s career got off to a slow start as he started just two games in his first two seasons. From there, however, Webster hit the ground running. From 1978 to 1985 Webster earned eight straight Pro Bowl appearances and was awarded five First-Team All-Pro honors during that span.
Perhaps most noteworthy is that the former fifth-round pick had an outstanding 17-year NFL career (15 of which seasons as a member of the Steelers). I’m willing to bet there won’t ever be a fifth-rounder again who will offer as many years of great play as Mike Webster did for Pittsburgh.
There are some fantastic football players who didn’t make the cut, but a few are sure to join this company someday. The Pittsburgh Steelers have drafted as well as any team since the merger and it shows.