As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to make the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the pressure to select a franchise-altering player is immense. The team is in a transitional phase, aiming to compete in the loaded AFC, and this year’s first-round pick could play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Steelers football.
Over the past 25 years, Pittsburgh has built a reputation for nailing first-round picks that contribute to long-term success. From elite defenders to Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, the Steelers have proven they can identify high-impact players when it matters most.
Here’s a look at the top three first-round selections by the Steelers since 2000 — a reminder of what the franchise must aim to replicate on draft day in 2025.
The 3 best Pittsburgh Steelers first-round picks over the past quarter century
3. Ben Roethlisberger (2004 NFL Draft, 11th Overall)
It’s impossible to discuss the modern Steelers without mentioning Ben Roethlisberger. Selected 11th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, “Big Ben” stepped into a team in desperate need of an offensive leader — a situation not unlike what current prospects like Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart may face this year.
READ MORE: Steelers horrific 2025 NFL Draft approach is creating a Kenny Pickett sequel
Roethlisberger wasted no time proving his worth. He went 13-3, earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and followed it up by leading the Steelers to victory in Super Bowl XL during his sophomore season. Over his 18-year career, he racked up six Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl rings while becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and wins.
His retirement left a void the Steelers have yet to fill, and his legacy looms large as the gold standard for what a first-round quarterback selection should become.
2. Troy Polamalu (2003 NFL Draft, 16th Overall)
When the Steelers traded up in 2003 to draft USC safety Troy Polamalu with the 16th overall pick, they secured more than just a defender — they landed a generational playmaker who would define an era of Pittsburgh football.
Known for his instinctual play, signature hair, and highlight-reel hits, Polamalu was a nightmare for opposing offenses. His 158 career games included 32 interceptions and countless momentum-shifting plays. His accolades speak for themselves: eight Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro honors, two Super Bowl rings, and a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction in 2020.
Polamalu’s blend of athleticism and football IQ made him one of the most beloved players in franchise history and a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defensive identity.
1. T.J. Watt (2017 NFL Draft, 30th Overall)
The crown jewel of recent Steelers draft success, T.J. Watt was the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft — and he’s become arguably the most dominant edge rusher of his generation.
Since entering the league, Watt has amassed 108 sacks and 33 forced fumbles and has been the driving force of the Steelers’ defense. A seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, and the 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year, Watt’s relentless motor and leadership have helped keep Pittsburgh competitive even when the offense has faltered.
Watt embodies the Steelers’ tradition of defensive excellence and has already carved out a legacy worthy of Canton consideration. His selection at the tail end of the first round proves that value can be found with the right scouting and vision — a lesson the team must remember with pick No. 21 in 2025.
The Road Ahead: The Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 and Beyond
The success of Roethlisberger, Polamalu, and Watt underscores how critical first-round decisions can be for the future. As Pittsburgh eyes the 21st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they must find a player capable of making a similar impact — someone who can help stabilize the roster and fuel a playoff resurgence.
The stakes are high. The AFC North is as competitive as ever, and the Steelers need difference-makers on both sides of the ball. Whether it’s a running back, cornerback, or potentially a future franchise quarterback, the Steelers can’t afford to miss.
History shows they’re capable of finding greatness in Round 1. Now, they must do it again.